Scientist Alessandro Coatti Murdered in Colombia, Royal Society of Biology Devastated

The scientific community is in mourning following the tragic murder of Alessandro Coatti in Santa Marta, Colombia. Coatti, a former senior science policy officer at the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) in London, was found dead on the outskirts of the city on Sunday. Local authorities are offering a reward of 50,000,000 Colombian pesos (approximately £8,940) for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Coatti's dismembered remains were discovered in a suitcase discarded in a stream, sending shockwaves through the RSB and the broader scientific community.

The Royal Society of Biology released a statement expressing their devastation at the news. "He was a passionate and dedicated scientist, leading RSB animal science work, writing numerous submissions, organising events and giving evidence in the House of Commons," the statement read. "Ale was funny, warm, intelligent, loved by everyone he worked with and will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him."

Coatti dedicated eight years of his career to the RSB, rising from science policy officer to senior science policy officer. He left the organization at the end of 2024 to pursue volunteer work in Ecuador and travel through South America.

Santa Marta Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "This crime will not go unpunished," he stated on X. "The criminals must know that crime has no place in Santa Marta. We will pursue them until they are brought to justice."

According to a report in the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, Coatti had inquired about visiting the village of Minca and was researching local animal species.

The investigation into Coatti's murder is ongoing. The RSB has extended its deepest condolences to Coatti's friends and family during this difficult time.