Agenda

It is with shock and profound sadness that the Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage announces the passing of Dr Giovanni Fava.

A research grant holder in our Department, Giovanni was an exceptionally talented young scholar, a generous colleague, and a much-loved presence among all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Giovanni had recently completed his PhD in Philosophy and Educational Sciences at the Department, with a dissertation entitled “Towards a Transcendental Geology: A Philosophical Cartography of the Anthropocene.” His academic journey began at the University of Bologna and continued at Ca’ Foscari, where his research took shape and flourished. Along the way, he spent time studying and conducting research at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, CAPHÉS in Paris, the Lancaster Environment Centre, and KTH in Stockholm.

His doctoral supervisor, Professor Pietro Daniel Omodeo, remembers him in these words:

“I am deeply saddened by this news. The loss of someone so warm, generous, and intellectually gifted leaves an immeasurable void. I was fortunate to count Giovanni among my finest doctoral students, collaborators, and friends. His philosophical work—both critical and incisive—was devoted to understanding the vast and daunting realities of the Anthropocene and the environmental and political crises of our time, and to seeking ways of overcoming their contradictions. He left an indelible mark on how I—and everyone who knew him and shared ideas, concerns, and moments of joy with him—think about the present and strive to change it. This is a farewell that is difficult to accept.”

The Department’s administrative staff who came to know Giovanni over the years also remember him with great affection. He was a familiar and engaged presence, always approachable and ready to talk: “a gentle soul” and someone whose kindness was “rare in academia.” We will remember his warmth, the small moments and conversations we shared with him each day, and the familiar sight of him popping his head into our offices “with the air of a wise young man.”

Giovanni’s untimely death leaves a profound void in the entire Department community. We extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family, his partner, his friends and colleagues, and everyone who loved him.