Pierre Liénard, a profound and influential scholar, passed away on August 1, 2023 at the age of 54. Pierre’s contributions to anthropology, ritual studies, and the cognitive and evolutionary sciences of religion are well-known to readers of Religion, Brain & Behavior. His pioneering work on ritual has shaped a generation of scholars and the effects of Pierre's research and mentoring of students will resonate for years to come. Pierre’s support for Religion, Brain & Behavior was also substantial. Throughout the journal’s history Pierre was a steadfast contributor, as author, reviewer, and editorial board member, on which he served since the journal’s inception in 2011. Pierre continued to support the journal throughout his fight with cancer, even submitting a review during the final months of his life. We are grateful to Pierre for his remarkable scholarly contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence. Pierre will be deeply missed as a scholar, debater, colleague, and friend. We asked Pierre’s longtime collaborator, Pascal Boyer, to write an obituary for RBB. Pascal in turn invited Pierre’s last graduate student, Michael Moncrieff, to join him in the effort. We thank them both for the thoughtful tribute to Pierre that follows.
—RBB Co-editors