Remembering Andy Cohen

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Professor Andrew (Andy) Cohen on 5 February 2025. Andy was a driving force in the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) for over two decades, making invaluable contributions to the field of scientific drilling and paleoclimate research.

As Principal Investigator of the ICDP Lake Malawi Drilling Project and the Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project, Andy led groundbreaking research, coordinating the drilling of five sites across two countries with a team of 100 scientists from 11 nations. His expertise and leadership extended beyond these projects, serving as a dedicated member of the ICDP Science Advisory Group (SAG) and the ICDP Lakes Drilling Task Force.

Andy’s lifelong scientific passion was the East African Rift, a region he explored with unparalleled dedication. Conducting research in Africa presents many challenges, requiring patience, persistence, and resilience — qualities Andy exemplified, alongside his brilliance as a scientist and mentor. His work not only advanced our understanding of Earth’s history but also inspired countless colleagues and students.

The ICDP and the global scientific drilling community have lost an extraordinary scientist, leader, and friend. Andy’s legacy will endure through the discoveries he made, the people he mentored, and the passion he brought to his field.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.