A library at the University of Montreal will bear the name of astrophysicist and author Hubert Reeves who died last year, Le Journal has learned.
“By naming the science library Hubert-Reeves Library we will ensure that this light shines forever in the very place where tomorrow’s scientists are trained,” underlines rector Daniel Jutras.
A former physics student at UdeM, where he taught from 1960 to 1964, Reeves (1932-2023) became known in the scientific world for his theoretical discoveries on the first moments of the Big Bang which he made mainly in the United States and France. Author of successful books on the origin of the universe, he devoted most of his career to popularizing science.
A tribute evening during which the University of Montreal will officially name the astrophysicist-popularizer who died on October 13, 2023, at its science library, is organized on Wednesday.
Among the guests, the scientist and musician from the Cowboys Fringants Jérôme Dupras. The latter confides that the song “Plus rien” was written following a conference by Hubert Reeves in Longueuil in 2004.
“We came back shocked by his comments on the sixth mass extinction, caused by humans,” whispers Journal Jérôme Dupras, bassist of the Quebec rock group.
Jean-François Pauzé, the lyricist, wrote this song in one go, which would become one of the group’s great successes. The “last human on earth” tells of the lost beauties of nature.
Quebec lovers
During the designation ceremony which will take place on the science campus, Jérôme Dupras will recall Mr. Reeves’ contribution to environmental protection. “He knew how to make us dream with his evocations of the origins of life but he also had a realistic look at the effects of human activity on nature,” explains the musician who has a brilliant career as a researcher.
MRS
Even though he lived in France, Reeves came almost every year to Quebec where he filled rooms for public conferences. But he also honored invitations from university departments. “Hubert Reeves could address the general public but also physicists in specialized seminars where he spoke about theoretical physics with great authority,” comments René Doyon, himself a professor in the Department of Physics and founding director of the Institute. Research on Exo-Planets (IREX), a world-renowned center for the search for extra-terrestrial life.
MRS
The power of wonder
Wednesday October 9, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the Atrium of the Science Complex.
1375 avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montreal.
(Access by Acadie or Outremont metro)
FREE ENTRANCE
