It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Professor Ian Affleck, on Friday, October 4, 2024. Ian was a world-renowned theoretical physicist, a dedicated educator, and a cherished member of our community.

Ian grew up in Vancouver and pursued his undergraduate studies at Trent University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics in 1975. He went on to Harvard University for his Ph.D. in Physics, completed in 1979 under the mentorship of Sidney Coleman, a legendary figure in quantum field theory. After appointments at Harvard and Princeton University, Ian joined UBC in 1987, where he spent the remainder of his remarkable career. He became a Principal Investigator at UBC Blusson QMI since its inception in 2010.

Ian’s research was centred on theoretical condensed matter physics, where he explored the interface between condensed matter systems and elementary particle theory. He brought clarity and innovation to the application of high-energy physics methods in low-dimensional strongly correlated systems. His work on conformal field theory, the Kondo effect, and low-dimensional magnetism set new benchmarks in the field.

Ian’s contributions to physics earned him widespread recognition and nearly every major award in Canadian physics, as well as many international honours. Among his accolades were the Steacie Prize (1988), Herzberg Medal (1990), Rutherford Medal (1991), the CAP Prize for Theoretical/Mathematical Physics (1997), the Lars Onsager Prize from the American Physical Society (2011) and the CAP Brockhouse Medal (2014). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, the Royal Society of Canada, and the American Physical Society, as well as a Foreign Associate of the French Academy of Sciences. In 1998, Trent University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Beyond his research, Ian was a passionate and gifted teacher. Appointed a University Killam Professor in 2003 and later named University Killam Professor Emeritus in 2021, Ian’s teaching was marked by his deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and inspiring environment for students. From first-year undergraduate classrooms to graduate seminars, Ian’s dedication to education left a lasting impact on countless students.

Ian’s career was celebrated widely, including at a 2018 symposium at UBC recognizing his significant contributions to theoretical physics and the 30-year impact of the AKLT model. His work and collaborations exemplified his brilliance and his enduring curiosity.

Above all, Ian will be remembered for his compassion, integrity, and generosity. His presence was a source of warmth and inspiration to all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family, friends, colleagues, and students. His loss is deeply felt, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the scientific frontiers he advanced.

Ian Affleck’s contributions to UBC and to physics are immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.