2020-05-29 14:45:39 wrote:

Renaud and I crossed paths from 2004-2008 in the Cosmology group at the Laboratoire de Physique Théorique at Orsay. The photographs posted here bring back old memories of Renaud's characteristic expressions and inimitable style. As a scientist Renaud was dedicated to defining his own path, asking hard and original questions about everything, showing a critical spirit that one would wish were more widespread among our colleagues. Renaud and I never wrote any papers together, but I learned a great deal from our many discussions, which covered a broad range of topics: theoretical physics, French language and culture, literature, wine, history,... I also remember Renaud for his wit. For example, he once said about arguing with colleagues from a certain subfield (which I shan't name!): "It's not like arguing with a person but rather with a representative of a church." The language of Renaud was direct, to the point, and free of jargon. Rather than belonging to one of the fashionable academic tribes, Renaud always remained a free spirit, who loved to ask questions, to travel and explore the world, and to engage with those around him. He left his mark on me, and I believe also on the many others who had the opportunity to know him.