It is with much sadness and our sincere condolences that we share the following message from Dr. Massimo Tommasino of the IARC:
Dear colleagues,
With heartfelt regret, we wish to share with the IPVS membership the very sad news that Dr. Rosita Maria Accardi-Gheit of the International Agency for Research on Cancer passed away unexpectedly last month at just 46 years of age.
Rosita was originally from Catania, Italy. Following her passion for medical science, she studied Biology in Catania. She graduated with a thesis on mitochondrial porins. Soon after, she continued her scientific adventure and moved to German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum), where she initiated to work on oncogenic viruses, a field in which she leaves a very important contribution. In 2003, she moved to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, where she played a key role in establishing a new laboratory on oncogenic viruses. Among many important achievements, the elucidation of cooperative mechanisms between oncogenic viruses and some environmental factors represents a very important and invaluable contribution of her research in the field.
Rosita will be remembered for her great passion for science, braveness, free spirit and sharp intelligence. In particular, she will be forever an extraordinary example for her students, who were always followed by her with enthusiasm, dedication and high professionalism. Her constant and unforgettable smile will remain in the mind and heart of all friends and colleagues.
Rosita will be highly missed by colleagues and her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Tarik, and their two children, Andrea and Lorenzo, her parents, Stella and Carmelo, and two sisters, Stefania and Laura.
We extend our deepest condolences to Rosita’s loved ones, friends and colleagues for this tragic loss and wish much strength to all.
Friends and colleagues of Rosita
