Bruno Righini (1931-2014)

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our former colleague, Bruno Righini, after a sudden and cruel illness.

Bruno Righini.

In his 32 years of work at CERN, Bruno was responsible for the Electronic Test and Maintenance group of EP division. He was a physicist at the University of Bologna and had written textbooks on General and Transient Electronics. Upon his arrival in 1964, he oriented the still small group towards experimental physics, which at the time was going from bubble chamber photographic detectors to counters and electronic recording. This development propelled the creation of new sections of digital electronics and data acquisition, both being fields where Bruno’s competence was outstanding. Sections in charge of instruments, of their design and of the study of the corresponding specifications and standards were duly extended.   

In short, the group became responsible for the evaluation, selection and procurement of the electronic equipment used in the experiments and stored in a central pool. Bruno solved the delicate selection function by establishing an objective system of tests that was transparent and open to all. The suppliers, if they wished, could participate in CERN tests, thus removing any possible doubt about receiving fair treatment. This, and other successful solutions, were widely appreciated by the experimental physicists and helped make the group united in its purpose and have a greater appreciation of those involved.  

Bruno always kept in close contact with the physics teams and understood well their needs; he dealt with people in a simple, unassuming and intelligent way that made everybody feel as though they were being treated with appropriate consideration. For many of us he was not only a colleague but also a very dear friend, to the extent that we could debate at length, without different opinions ever becoming a point of importance. He was open minded and liked to listen, in search of a clear definition of a problem or of a better solution. His keen sense of justice made discussions interesting, purposeful and constructive. The group and the Electronics Pool gradually became an essential and indispensable feature of EP division, and were recognised as such, both by the internal staff and the external visiting teams. 

We all feel the distress of his premature passing away. We wish to express our sympathy and deepest condolences to his family in these difficult circumstances. We will always remember Bruno, his natural wisdom, his quiet wit and his deep understanding of our human society at CERN.

His colleagues and friends