Farewell to Melquíades de Dios Leyva, Distinguished Physicist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Havana

The University of Havana announced the passing of Dr. C. Melquíades de Dios Leyva, a pivotal figure in theoretical physics and scientific education in Cuba, through a somber message posted on its social media channels. The university referred to him as a "key figure in the history of theoretical physics and scientific education in Cuba."

Born on December 9, 1938, in Santiago de Cuba, Leyva graduated with a degree in Physics from the University of Havana in 1968 and immediately began his teaching career at the then School of Physics.

By around 1970, he was entrusted with the Quantum Mechanics course at the Faculty of Physics, a subject he taught for over five decades. In 1972, he earned the first Master of Science degree awarded by the University of Havana, with a thesis on the factorization method in quantum mechanics.

Between 1975 and 1979, he spent four years at Lomonosov Moscow State University, where he achieved a Doctorate in Physical-Mathematical Sciences. Upon returning to Cuba, he founded the Solid State Theoretical Physics Research Group and authored the extensive textbook "Quantum Mechanics," which became a staple reference in Cuban universities.

The University of Havana emphasized that "for nearly six decades, the professor dedicated his life to teaching and research at the University of Havana, where he was distinguished by his pedagogical rigor, intellectual integrity, and tireless commitment to academic service." Recognized as a Professor Emeritus and international scientific consultant, the institution noted that "he leaves a lasting impact on the country's scientific culture and in the memories of those who shared the journey of knowledge with him."

In an additional comment accompanying the announcement, the university highlighted that his teaching philosophy "centered on student motivation and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge," and that "he championed science as a long-term endeavor, considering it essential to preserve the progress made and to prepare new professionals capable of contributing to the country's development."

The news sparked a wave of condolences on social media. A colleague remarked, "Melquíades has long been an indisputable creator and essential support of the academic rigor and scientific depth that proudly distinguish the Faculty of Physics," urging new physicists to "live up to his dedication." Another user remembered him as "a teacher of many generations, a witty, charming man true to his principles." An ex-student described him as "an exemplar of perseverance."

Leyva's passing comes at a particularly painful time for Cuban academia. Just two days before his death was announced, psychologist and UH professor Carolina de la Torre passed away at 79, and in late July, mathematician Concepción Valdés Castro, the first Cuban woman to earn a doctorate in Mathematical Sciences and also a professor emerita, died.

These consecutive losses highlight the diminishing of a generation that built the current architecture of Cuban higher education from its foundations in the 1960s, in a country undergoing a profound multidimensional crisis with severe repercussions for the educational sector, compounded by the population exodus affecting its universities.

This week also saw the death of young professor Elio Antonio Govea Rodríguez from the University of Pinar del Río in an accident. He was a notable educator and a foundational figure in the Industrial Engineering program in that province.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, colleagues, and former students of Professor Melquíades de Dios Leyva.