It is with profound sadness that the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) mourns the passing of Mario Biagioli, a distinguished scholar whose work profoundly shaped our understanding of science, its histories, and its entanglements with law, art, and society.

Mario Biagioli’s scholarship traversed disciplines and geographies, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of history of science, science and technology studies, and intellectual property law. His seminal works, including Galileo, Courtier and Galileo’s Instruments of Credit, redefined early modern science as a deeply social and performative enterprise, illuminating the intricate interplay between knowledge, power, and material culture.

Biagioli’s collaborations with the MPIWG were both longstanding and transformative. His engagement with the Institute’s research on the ownership of knowledge, particularly through initiatives like the “Ownership of Knowledge” conference, exemplified his commitment to exploring how legal and epistemic regimes co-produce scientific authority. His recent collaborations with our colleagues further enriched our collective inquiry into the global dimensions of scientific knowledge production.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Biagioli was a mentor and interlocutor whose intellectual generosity and critical acumen inspired scholars across generations. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to open dialogue embodied the very ethos of the MPIWG.

Mario Biagioli’s passing is a profound loss to our community and the broader scholarly world. His legacy endures in the vibrant conversations he sparked and the pathways he forged for future inquiry.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable intellect and spirit.

Dagmar Schäfer and Matteo Valleriani