By Alla Guekht
Prof. Ettore Beghi, researcher at Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri – IRCCS where he developed important contributions to the neuroepidemiological study of ALS and epilepsy, among other areas of neurological diseases.
Ettore Beghi passed away Oct. 10, 2022 at the age of 75 in Milan, Italy, fighting his last battle against a very serious illness with dignity.
Ettore Beghi was born in Milan, Italy, on Aug. 15, 1947. He received his MD at the University of Milan (1972), completed post-doctoral clinical fellowship in neurology with graduation at the neurologic clinic of the same university (1976), obtained a masters of pharmacologic sciences research at the Istituto Mario Negri in Milan (1981), and served as a research fellow in the department of medical statistics and epidemiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota (1982–1983).
His professional life was also associated with his favorite city. He was the head of the Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri,” contract professor of neuroepidemiology at the University of Milan; past head of the neurophysiology unit and epilepsy center, Ospedale di Monza, Milan.
Although it is tragic to think of Ettore leaving us so early, he left behind a lifetime of extraordinary memories. He published more than 480 scientific articles, was one of the world leaders in neuroepidemiology with the special interest to epilepsy and motor neuron diseases, participated in the creation of registries for rare neurological diseases and COVID-19.
He made a prominent contribution to numerous working groups and research committees in the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), European Academy of Neurology (EAN), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), International League against epilepsy (ILAE), extensively collaborated with the WHO, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. He was a prominent member of the WFN, contributing significantly to the WFN Research Group on motor neuron diseases. He was a Fellow of the AAN, Fellow of the EAN, and received the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award of the ILAE. Prof. Beghi chaired the AAN Neuroepidemiology Section and ILAE Commission on the Epidemiology of Epilepsy. He was a coordinator of the European ALS registry and one of the founders of the EAN NEuro-covid ReGistrY (ENERGY). He worked very actively in the Italian Neurologic Society (INS), being the president of its neuroepidemiology section, served in the executive committee of the Italian League against Epilepsy. Prof. Beghi was a consultant for ENEA, editor of the Cochrane Epilepsy Group, member of Commission on the Burden of Epilepsy of the ILAE, International Committee “Epilepsy and the Law,” AAN Research Group in Neuroepidemiology. He was the associate editor of Epilepsia and Neuroepidemiology, served on the editorial boards of the journals Clinical Drug Investigation, Inpharma, Drugs R & D, Neurological Sciences, Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery (CNN) and was a reviewer of the major journals in neurology.
Ettore Beghi was a great teacher and mentor to many young neurologists and researchers in many countries all over the world. He was a very kind and remarkable person, great colleague, and collaborator. Prof. Beghi is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Lidia, his three children Massimilìano, Emanuele, and Nadia, and his grandchildren.
It was a great pleasure and honor to work with him, admiring his tireless passion for research and clinical practice, his excellence, humanity, and dignity.
We will always remember Ettore as a dear friend, remarkable scientist, excellent doctor. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers. •
Obituary: Ettore Beghi
By Specialty Group on Neuroepidemiology, World Federation of Neurology
With deep sadness, we inform you that Ettore Beghi, after a long illness, has left us. We all remember the friendliness and devotion that Ettore has always shown in his excellent scientific work, presenting himself with humility, ready to pass on his skills to anyone who was close to him,
Prof. Beghi has been a key point of reference in neuroepidemiology, epilepsy, and motor neuron disease research in the global world by building new and original research paths. He worked closely with the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), being an active member of the WFN epidemiological group. In many instances, he was instrumental to build up the network of scientific and human relation of people from many countries that has been so characteristic of our group. In our meetings, he was always able with a smiling and calm leadership to convey a shared extraordinary and positive energy to all participants.
A great researcher and friend who will be missed by all of us.
