Unexpectedly, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in Rome, Italy, our dear Viviana passed away at the age of seventy-seven. Beloved mother of Alexis Khazzam (Elizabeth Leiter), and treasured grandmother of Nicholas, Stella Grace, and Matteo Khazzam. Dear sister of Micaela Goren Monti and James Goren (Manuela Cerri), and sister of the late Alex Goren (Brooke Kroeger). Daughter of the late Stella Cukier-Goren and the late Adolph (Dolphy) Goldstein-Goren of Milan, Italy, who for decades were prominent benefactors of Jewish institutions in Israel and Italy. She will be greatly missed by her large family of nephews, nieces, cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces, and friends around the globe.

We were honored to know Viviana not only as a devoted supporter but also as a cherished friend and partner in advancing the frontiers of brain science at ELSC. Her generosity, vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission have left a lasting mark on our community.

Viviana joined the Brain Circle at its inception nearly 15 years ago and quickly became a driving force in its development. She organized the third Brain Circle meeting in Saturnia and attended each of the first twelve Brain Circle meetings without exception. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, and constant push for new ideas served as an inspiration to us all. With her background in the arts, Viviana held a profound appreciation for ELSC’s ambition to bridge brain science and art, inspiring all of us.

Motivated by ELSC’s Brain Circle, Viviana took it upon herself to establish Brain Circle Italy, where she annually invited leading scientists across various fields, with a primary focus on brain research and, more recently, on longevity and rejuvenation. These gatherings were so impactful that she earned the nickname “Madame Brain” in Italy. She was incredibly charismatic—dramatic, intense, visionary, and remarkably generous. She was truly someone to learn from.

May her memory be a blessing.