Discovery and science

Serge Aubert's sudden death has had a profound effect on the team, which was led by a director who was cheerful, open to discussion, rigorous, and attentive. We were impressed by his ability to absorb so much information from all sources and to devote so much energy to communication. Even when overwhelmed by administrative hassles, he would courteously welcome students looking for internships, taking the time to answer their questions. In the morning, he could be seen early weeding a rock garden with the team, and in the afternoon, meeting with the University Presidency—such was his lot.

Not only did he keep the Garden alive during his years as director, but he also embellished it and, sometimes against all odds, saw through the major projects that are now coming to fruition. It was only very recently that the Galerie de l'Alpe was created, after 10 years of preparation, persuasion, and tenacity. Thank you, Serge. The children who will visit the magnificent exhibition, the adults who will admire La Meije from the loggia, and the researchers and students who will carry out their experiments in the new laboratory will be all the more grateful to you.

Last week, you were still fighting for the greenhouses, an original concept, to take their place in the landscape of the University of Grenoble campus.

Thank you, Serge, for your success in integrating The jardin du Lautaret a European network of ecosystem study platforms. Thanks to you, it will shine at its rightful level. 

Thank you, Serge, for placing your trust in us. Don't worry about the future of the Lautaret garden from where you are now. You know our close-knit team well, the team you entrusted with achieving the garden's goals of success and sustainability.