22 December 2022

Obituary Steven A. Brown

We are deeply saddened to have learned that Steven A. Brown, Professor in Chronobiology and Sleep Research at the University of Zurich, died at the age of 52 from injuries sustained in an accident on December 14, 2022. We have known Steve Brown for many years. He was a founding member of the Daylight Academy and an infinitely generous, kind, and inspiring colleague. His sudden death is a tragic loss for the global research community and for all those who knew him.

Steve was a brilliant and passionate scientist. He joined the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the University of Zurich as a Professor in 2006 and made invaluable contributions to the understanding of the molecular clock and its effects on behaviour and physiology.

At the Daylight Academy, Steve Brown was not only admired for his extensive knowledge in chronobiology, but also for his sharp and creative mind. He had the ability to get off the beaten track and think beyond disciplinary boundaries. With this curiosity coupled with remarkable foresight, he played a major role in shaping the development of the Daylight Academy. Some years ago, he joined our strategic committee and thus contributed to define a vision for the future of our organisation.

In addition to his dedication to science, Steve shared with us his excellence in science communication. Through advice and own initiatives, he helped us set up public events and further outreach activities. Last year, he facilitated a series of online talks in the context of our Daylight Awareness Week. But his most important project at the Daylight Academy was an online open course that was about to be completed. With this course, he wanted to convey basic and applied science of daylight to architects, engineers, and the public.

Always supportive and resourceful, Steve has been a driving force for our organisation since the beginning and we are immensely grateful for the time he has given us. He was an outstanding member, a visionary researcher, an enthusiastic daylight ambassador, and a truly exceptional human being who will be sadly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

DLA Steering Committee & team