In brief
The scientific community is reeling from the shocking murder of Alessandro Coatti, a former science policy officer for the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), whose body was discovered in northern Colombia.
Alessandro Coatti, an esteemed London-based scientist, was found dead near Santa Marta, a coastal city known for its natural beauty and tourist appeal. His remains were uncovered on Sunday, prompting Santa Marta's Mayor, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, to announce a substantial reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (around £8,940) for information leading to the capture of those responsible for this heinous act. In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, the Royal Society of Biology conveyed their sorrow, stating they were “devastated” by Coatti's murder. They hailed him as a dedicated and passionate scientist who made significant contributions during his eight years with them, leading initiatives in animal science and participating actively in national scientific dialogue. Colleagues described Coatti as warm, intelligent, and funny, expressing that he would be deeply missed.The discovery of Coatti's dismembered body, which was reportedly placed in a suitcase and discarded in a stream, has sent shockwaves through both the local and international communities. Mayor Pinedo Cuello condemned the crime, asserting that such acts have no place in Santa Marta and promised to pursue justice vigorously. Local reports reveal that Coatti had shown interest in conducting research on animal species in nearby Minca before his tragic death. His academic journey included a master's degree from University College London, after which he dedicated his talents to science policy at RSB until the end of 2024, when he left to volunteer in Ecuador and travel throughout South America. The outpouring of grief from colleagues and the call for justice reflect the profound impact Coatti had within his field and the urgent need for accountability in the face of violence against scientists and researchers worldwide.
