May 4, 2020 (PO74).  Prof. Francesco Negrini, who was full professor of Electrotechnics at the University of Bologna, Italy, from 1986 to 2010, passed away on August 20, 2019.

Prof. Negrini’s research interests have focused on the Electrodynamics of continuous media, Applied magnetohydrodynamics, Applied superconductivity and Magnet Technology. He contributed to these sectors with experimental activities, theoretical investigations and numerical modeling studies.

Two research groups stemmed from his research activities at the University of Bologna: one on Magnet Technology and Applied Superconductivity, and the other on Magnetohydrodynamics and Plasma Engineering.

Professor Negrini led the Italian CNR Project “Superconducting and Cryogenic Technology”, to develop a 52 MJ superconducting saddle magnet for MHD applications. He continuously served the community by organizing and chairing eight international conferences. He held conferences, seminars and Invited Lectures at public and private Universities and Research Institutes in Japan, United States, Russia, China and Europe.

On May 26, 2005 he was awarded in Moscow with the "ILG-MHD Faraday Prize" with the following citation: “For outstanding achievements in Magnetohydrodynamics as an Academic and Research Leader of the University of Bologna, for creation of the school on MHD Science and Technology which is a Center of Excellence in Europe and in the world, for contributions in fostering International Cooperation through Distinguished Activities in Europe, the United States, Russia and Japan, for the pioneering development of MHD Retrofitting of existing Power Stations, superconducting MHD magnets and Essential Activity as the Architect of the Italian Program on MHD Power Generation, for his Leadership Contributions to the International Liaison Group on MHD Electric Power Generation.” 

On September 19, 2005, at the International Magnet Technology Conference, MT-19, in Genova, Italy, he was awarded the "Special Award for Magnet Technology and Large Scale Superconductivity in Italy" with the following citation: “For his leadership of the Superconducting MHD project in Italy and for his constant pursuing of superconductivity for power applications”.

Prof. Negrini played a prime role in advancing Applied Superconductivity in Italy. He put great enthusiasm in his research and always paid great attention at involving young people in this field. His colleagues and friends at the University of Bologna are very indebted to him for his vision and for his continuous support and encouragement.

Submitted by Prof. Marco Breschi