In Memoriam Rolf Kuehni

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Rolf, who served as an adjunct professor at the North Carolina State University for a number of years and was a highly respected member of the color science community. He passed away peacefully at home on April 12. He was 88 years old.

Rolf made lasting and influential contributions to advancing the field of color science. Through his teaching in both undergraduate and graduate courses, he shaped the learning and careers of many students. He was actively engaged with our faculty, co-authoring multiple manuscripts, overseeing research projects, and generously mentoring colleagues, including Professors Hinks and Shamey.

Beyond our institution, Rolf’s impact on the field was profound. He was the recipient of the AIC Judd Award, one of the highest honors in the international color science community, as well as the Olney Award from AATCC. He also served as Editor of Color Research and Application and held numerous other leadership roles and recognitions throughout his distinguished career.

In Memoriam Mike Brill

written by Hugh Fairman, Jack A Ladson, Ellen Carter

Dr. Michael H. Brill died on January 14, 2026, after a prolonged bout with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Brill, known to all of us as “Mike,” earned his undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, followed by a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Physics from Syracuse University. Following a six-month commitment to the United States Air Force, he attained the rank of Second Lieutenant. Mike joined SAIC, a research contractor in Washington, D.C. Later, he joined the Sarnoff Research Center in Princeton, New Jersey, as a researcher in color for cinema, and he won a Grammy Award for his contributions to digital cinema. After several years, Mike took a position as an editor of Physics Today. Mike spent the latter portion of his working life as the Technical Director at Datacolor, where his name appeared on numerous patents. In 2024, Mike married Karen Linder, who survives him. We shall always remember Mike for his numerous contributions to the technical literature of color appearance and color science. He spent countless hours reviewing many scientific journals. In his spare time, he wrestled with many unsolved math problems. Mike was a significant contributor to ISCC, serving as President from 1998 to 2000 and co-organizing many of its conferences. He initiated ISCC’ s Hue Angles column in 2006 and continued it for many years. We extend our deepest condolences to Karen and to Mike’s family. Mike’s presence and contributions to this community will be deeply missed