Professor Masahiro Wakatani

In 2003, the world plasma physics community mourned the unexpected loss of one of its most respected members, Professor Masahiro Wakatani, of Kyoto University. He was an outstanding researcher, a dedicated teacher, a vital participant in international fusion programmatic efforts, a leader within the university, a devoted husband and father, and a man of high personal integrity.

Professor Wakatani was a valuable member of the Steering Committee for 13 years (and of the Japanese Management Committee for 9 years before that). He also served as interim Co-Executive Secretary for two years in the late 1990's. He organized 13 JIFT workshops over two decades.

Three special talks were presented in his memory at the 13th International Toki Conference (9-12 December 2003). One of these talks, "The Legacy of Professor Masahiro Wakatani", was given by J. Van Dam, the US JIFT Chairman.