It is with great sadness that we learned about the demise of Sir Michael Atiyah, one of the outstanding mathematicians of our age.

We will always remember him for his genuine kindness, for the enthusiasm that was almost tangible whenever he talked about his research, for his enlightening presentations and for the obvious pleasure he had in discussing with the young researchers. Wherever he was during the HLF week, he was always surrounded by a crowd of students and other participants who were fascinated by the depth and breadth of his knowledge and by his witty manner of discussion.

We bemoan the death of a great mathematician, a fascinating speaker, and an inspiring teacher – and we mourn the loss of a wonderful friend. The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation is deeply indebted to him, because he attended all the Heidelberg Laureate Forums since the first one in 2013 and thus helped tremendously in establishing HLF as an attractive venue for both laureates and young researchers.