Obituary for Professor Alexander M. Bradshaw

The HZB and BESSY family mourns the loss of Alex Bradshaw. The physicist passed away on October 10, 2024.  As successor to founding director Prof. Helmut Baumgärtel, he served as scientific director of the Berlin electron storage ring for synchrotron radiation (BESSY GmbH) from 1981 to 1985. During this time, he initiated and implemented important developments at the Berlin synchrotron radiation source.

When his successor, Ernst Eckart Koch, became seriously ill, Alex Bradshaw did not abandon his “BESSYians”and, after Koch's death, took over the scientific management of the facility again from 1988 to 1989 in a difficult situation – in addition to his directorship at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society. During this time, he was instrumental in initiating and advancing the construction of the new synchrotron radiation source BESSY II, which was then realized in Berlin-Adlershof from 1994.

Alexander Bradshaw was a highly dedicated, knowledgeable and far-sighted scientific director. He contributed significantly to the development of numerous beamlines and monochromators. During his tenure, the number of employees increased considerably. He ensured that the support for the many scientific guest groups, whose numbers also increased during his term of office, could be significantly improved. The good reputation of BESSY in the scientific world will always be associated with the name Alexander Bradshaw.

We are deeply saddened by his death. In Alex Bradshaw, we have lost a highly esteemed colleague, friend and BESSY supporter. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.