The Prince’s Government learned with deep sadness of the death of Professor Yves Coppens, President of the International Scientific Committee of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco, an institute founded by Prince Albert I.

A world-renowned paleontologist and paleoanthropologist, co-discoverer of Australopithecus Lucy, Professor Yves Coppens worked all his life and with passion to develop research and the dissemination of knowledge of prehistory.

From the National Museum of Natural History to the Musée de l’Homme, from the Collège de France to the Academy of Sciences, Yves Coppens was also a Member of the Board of Directors of the Institut de Human Paleontology.

He was created Commander of the Order of Cultural Merit of the Principality.

In his capacity as President of the International Scientific Committee of the Museum of Anthropology and Prehistory of Monaco, he gave it dynamism and provided it with considerable support.

A man with a big heart, always attentive and accessible, Yves Coppens put his scientific expertise, international networks and his talents as a populariser in the service of the Principality.

Each symposium, exhibition, conference and publication have benefited from his benevolent gaze. The year 2022 will bring together the International Members of the International Scientific Committee at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco, during the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to Prince Albert I, an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of a man and an exceptional Scientific President.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Monaco Government Press Service