The society extends our sincerest condolences to Dr. Michael McKubre’s family, friends and colleagues. From its earliest days, Dr. McKubre was a thoughtful and indefatigable contributor to our field. With his colleagues at SRI International, he oversaw one of the longest running research programs into low energy nuclear reactions, and made path breaking contributions to our understanding of condensed matter nuclear science.
Dr. McKubre became an Honorary Fellow of the society in August 2023, and received the society’s Preparata Medal in November 2005. These being two of the highest honours conferred by the society. His wisdom and good nature will be missed.
Rest in peace.
Dr. McKubre’s obituary; courtesy of the SRI Alumni Newsletter.
Michael (Mike) McKubre died on August 28, 2025, at the age of 76 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Mike was born in 1948 to parents Mac and Joy in Greenhithe, New Zealand. Mike’s early days in Greenhithe included walks through the mud flats, clambering around the rocks by the moored flying boats, and climbing trees—an activity at which he excelled. Mike attended school in Greenhithe, other parts of New Zealand, and eventually Washington, D.C., where his father was posted for a time as part of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Mike returned to his native New Zealand and received his MSc and PhD at Victoria University in Wellington. He continued his postdoctoral studies in the Electrochemistry Department at Southampton University, England.
Mike joined SRI’s Materials Research Laboratory in 1978, where he quickly became a central figure on the Electrochemistry team. He was a pioneer in applying the then-new technology of portable computers to the control and study of electrochemical mechanisms—an innovation that helped SRI modernize experimental research in this area. Mike and his team explored and advanced diverse fields, including corrosion, batteries, fuel cells, and energy systems. Mike was appointed manager of the Electrochemistry Program in 1982 and mentored many young scientists.
When low energy nuclear reactions (LENR) were announced in 1989, Mike embraced this novel technology and in 1992 established SRI’s Energy Research Center, which he directed until his retirement. Mike quickly became a leader in LENR and received the field’s highest honors. Mike became a world-renowned leader in the study of LENR and published over 200 papers in his career. The group’s work earned international recognition, and Mike’s reputation as a reliable, rigorous scientist and thoughtful referee became well established in this field. Mike devoted his career to the careful experimental study of new energy possibilities. He believed that the world’s most urgent problem was how humanity will power its future, and he dedicated decades of research to addressing that challenge with integrity and perseverance.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Mike was a man of great intellect and humor. Lunchtime discussions at SRI were often illuminated by his sharp wit and keen insight. His openness and generosity of spirit brought people together—colleagues, families, and friends alike. His legendary home gatherings, full of laughter and camaraderie, remain cherished memories for many. For decades, his athletic prowess also shone on the SRI soccer field, where he brought the same passion and teamwork that defined his professional life.
Mike was exceptional in every dimension — personal, professional, and intellectual. Even after retiring to New Zealand in 2006 with his wife, Dr. Esperanza Alvarez, herself an SRI alumna, he remained deeply engaged in scientific and technological pursuits.
Michael will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues, his friends, and by the many whose lives he touched with his brilliance and humanity. Mike is survived by his wife, Esperanza; his first wife, Carolyn; his children, Alexandra, Nicholas, and Jennifer; and 2 grandchildren.
Sources: Fran Tanzella; Angel Sanjurjo; Facebook