Among Brazil’s most distinguished researchers in biochemistry, immunology, and parasitology, Elói de Souza Garcia passed away on 8 July 2026. Elected to TWAS in 2012, he was a senior scientist at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, and held the honorary titles of professor emeritus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, and researcher emeritus of Fiocruz. His research interests included insect physiology and biochemistry, with a focus on the molecular interactions between parasites and their insect vectors.

In 1987, he became a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and served as president of Fiocruz from 1997 to 2000. He participated in official scientific and technological cooperation missions organized by Brazil’s Ministries of Health and of Science and Technology, representing the country in initiatives with the United States of America, Canada, Germany, France, Russia, Mexico, India, and several African nations.

Throughout his career, de Souza Garcia received some of the most prestigious Brazilian as well as international science honours. He was awarded the National Order of Scientific Merit, receiving the rank of commander in 2000, and the Grand Cross in 2002.

He also served with the Ministry of Science and Technology, worked as a consultant to the Pan American Health Organization, and held the position of director of scientific development at the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat for science, technology, and innovation.

Cristina Serra