Prof. Lauro Kubota passed away on October 4, 2024, at 60.
1964 – 2024
Prof. Kubota was a faculty member for over 30 years at the University Estadual of Campinas (UNICAMP) after completing his PhD at the same university.
His research focused on electrochemical sensing, leading to groundbreaking advancements in sensor and biosensor technologies. His innovative electrode modification techniques and pioneering electrochemical methods have profoundly impacted clinical, environmental, and food-related applications.
These advancements are crucial for developing new sensors, particularly those intended for use in point-of-care settings. These new devices must be simple, low-cost, and capable of functioning in challenging conditions, particularly in geographical areas lacking sufficient access to specialized medical equipment and facilities.
His scientific achievements were recognized with several honors and awards, among which, beyond his election as Full Membership in the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) in 2010 at the young age of 46, other most prestigious recognition are his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2014, the Sao Paulo State Governor Invention of the Year award in 2000, the Zeferino Vaz Academic Recognition Award (2004, 2023), the Grand-cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit awarded by the Brazilian Presidency in 2018, along with recent election as a fellow of the World Academy of Science (TWAS), and the 2023 Rheinboldt-Hauptmann Award.
He coordinated the only Brazilian National Institute on Science and Technology in Bioanalytics (INCTBio), an “Institute without walls,” involving a network of 44 research groups working in Bioanalysis from all regions of Brazil, from the Northeast to its Southern range. Beyond his research, he was a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. His commitment to education and collegial nature made him a respected and beloved figure in the scientific community. He has immensely impacted many Brazilian scientists, who are all doing great science worldwide.
Prof. Kubota’s passing is a significant loss for the Brazilian scientific community, the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), and the broader scientific community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of chemists.
Above all these commitments, he was a generous and enlightened human being, and his Ikigai had always driven people to shine.
Lauro shone
Man with a vast heart
Eternal inheritance
Master of serenity
His legacy transcends
Wind of kindness
Prof. Marília Oliveira Fonseca Goulart, Universidade Federal de Alagoas – Brazil
Dr. Saimon Moraes Silva, La Trobe University – Australia