Obituaries

Researcher used carbon dating to provide evidence that humans had arrived in Brazil much earlier than previously thought.

The Abel prizewinner’s pragmatic approach to solving differential equations was influential across fields ranging from weather forecasting to starting nuclear chain reactions.

Pioneer of general relativity and gravitational-wave theories saw her work confirmed by observations 65 years later.

The particle physicist and inventor advised 13 US presidents — whether they asked him to or not.

The fossil expert found love at first sight with trilobites.

The biologist’s theories about how environments prompt rapid species evolution and extinction propelled her onto the world stage.

The biochemist introduced the first heel-prick tests for newborn babies in Spain, protecting infants from life-changing metabolic conditions.

He brought cutting-edge methods to archaeological analysis, helping to reshape the field.

An early love of construction toys led the Scottish chemist to thread molecules together, opening up a new field of chemistry.

The Nobel prizewinner used quantum and molecular mechanics to model the dynamics of complex chemical systems.

The Nobel prizewinner worked tirelessly with wife Rosalynn Carter to eradicate Guinea-worm disease.

The pioneering plant scientist engineered roots for carbon sequestration and passionately advocated on behalf of women.

Endocrinologist whose insight into how the brain controls the endocrine system shaped our understanding of bodily functions.

The condensed-matter physicist also turned his attention to neural networks, improving our understanding of the human brain and helping to develop machine learning.

Clinician whose family-centred approach upended work on mid-life memory loss.

Visionary researcher helped to overturn the idea that all particles behave in the same way as their mirror images.

Biochemist who helped to draw up guidelines for recombinant-DNA technology and championed women in science.

Pioneer of targeted therapy in cancer who turned failed contraceptive tamoxifen into an essential drug for treating breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Space scientist who took humanity on a tour of the Solar System and beyond, in a journey of discovery like no other.

Cognitive scientist who boldly explored free will, the human mind and AI, and rejected the existence of God.