Passing of Committee 3 Member Marie-Claire Cantone

2025-05-13

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Marie-Claire Cantone, a valued member of ICRP Committee 3 since 2017. Marie-Claire also made significant contributions to Task Groups 109 (as co-Chair) and 114.

Renowned for her dedication, warmth, and tireless energy, Marie-Claire was instrumental in strengthening ties between the radiological protection community in Italy and the international sphere. Her leadership was evident in the successful coordination of an ICRP Main Commission meeting in 2022, the Committee 3 meeting in 2024, and the associated workshops designed to foster local engagement and collaboration.

Marie-Claire will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all her colleagues at ICRP.

A fuller reflection on her life and work has been prepared by our colleagues at the Italian Radiation Protection Society (AIRP), and can be found below.

 

The Italian Radiation Protection Society (AIRP) shares with deep sadness the news of the passing of Professor Marie Claire Cantone, who died today, 12 May 2025, at her home near Milan, Italy.

Marie Claire served as President of AIRP from 2013 to 2015, after previously holding other key roles within the Association, including Vice President and Member of the Board.

She brought great dedication and expertise to the field of radiation protection, making a significant and widely appreciated contribution at both national and international levels. Over the years, she held important positions in organizations such as the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) – where she served as a Member of the Executive Council from 2016 to 2024 – the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) – where she was a member of Committee 3 from 2017 and contributed to Task Groups 109 and 114 – and the Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).

In academia, Marie Claire spent many years at the Department of Physics at the University of Milan before moving to the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences at the same university. From 2006 to 2013, she also served as Director of the School of Specialization in Medical Physics at the University of Milan. She led the program with generosity and commitment, playing a key role in the education and development of many medical physicists, both as specialists and as researchers.

She had a lifelong passion for radiation protection in all its dimensions—whether it concerned patients, workers, the public, or the environment. Marie Claire was deeply engaged not only with the scientific and technical aspects of ionizing radiation, but also with the ethical and social questions surrounding its use. She was instrumental in organizing numerous events, training courses, and seminars on a wide range of topics related to radiation protection.

 

Francesco Mancini, current President of AIRP, shared this personal memory:

“Perhaps the most meaningful time we worked together was when she was in charge of the AIRP Bulletin and I was part of the Editorial Committee. That was my first step toward becoming involved in AIRP, and I must say she was always very kind and supportive. I look back on that period with fondness."

Mauro Magnoni, past President of AIRP and current President of the International Committee, also recalled:

“My first memory of Marie Claire goes back to a time when I wasn’t yet on the AIRP board. It was an event she organized at the University of Milan, focused on nuclear energy and society—topics she always cared deeply about. I remember her enthusiasm when she told me she had even reached out to the President of Greenpeace Italy and had secured a promise of participation. She was genuinely disappointed when he later backed out—it was a sign of her sincere passion for what she did.”

Sandro Sandri, also a past President of AIRP, fondly remembered:

“Marie Claire—a real chatterbox! But that’s exactly why I always enjoyed her company. She was such a source of warmth and, more importantly, of precious inspiration.”

Celso Osimani, also a past President of AIRP and past President of the International Committee, shared this memory:

“A determined, strong-willed colleague, full of energy, who always gave her all to achieve her goals. She had the ability to recognize the best ideas and contributions from her colleagues, rework them thoughtfully, and guide them toward the success she envisioned.”

 

Marie Claire will be remembered with great affection, admiration, and gratitude by all who had the privilege to work with her and learn from her.