It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Jonathan Michael Borwein, a seminal figure in Australian (and world) mathematical community, and the current co-chair of MoCaO. Jon Borwein was instrumental in establishing MoCaO and had a vision to bring together the computational and optimisation communities in Australia to enrich the activities of both. Hence the existence of MoCaO is a testament to Jon’s visionary leadership. Dozens of colleagues and friends are shocked and saddened with his passing. There will be many testaments to Jon’s mathematical influence and his extensive contribution to so many fields that will be published in the coming decades.
His friends and collaborators will continue to remember his frank guidance, enthusiasm and wit. Jon will be greatly missed by all of those who had the gift to share time with him.

We would like to extend our condolences to Jon’s family and to his wife Judy for their loss.