In memory of Dr Nard Kubben

It is with deep sadness that the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) announces the unexpected passing of our dear colleague Dr Nard Kubben last week.

Nard joined IMB as a Group Leader in 2021, bringing with him a passion for uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of ageing to improve human health span. Originally from the Netherlands, Nard completed his PhD studies at Maastricht University and was awarded the prestigious NWO VIDI grant in 2017 for his work on “Renovating the build of our cells to cure ageing-diseases.” Before coming to Mainz, he conducted groundbreaking research as a Research Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), in the US.

Nard’s research at IMB focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases, using a Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome-based cellular system. He developed high-throughput genomic, proteomic and microscopy-based screens to identify novel pathways that slow down cellular ageing and investigate cell pathways that help reverse ageing defects. His innovative approaches opened new avenues for exploring the biology of ageing and identifying potential therapeutic interventions. His scientific vision inspired many, and he was driven by the hope that discoveries in his lab could one day benefit human health.

Nard is remembered as a dedicated mentor to his students and colleagues. At IMB, he supervised three PhD students, three Master students and three Bachelor students, guiding them with generosity, patience, and enthusiasm. Those who worked with him will remember his thoughtfulness, sharp intellect and empathy, as well as his warm and kind personality.

Nard will be deeply missed, not only as a scientist but also as a colleague and friend. His contributions to the IMB community and to science at large will live on in the work of his colleagues and students, who will continue to build on the foundation he created. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

_{Further details}

_{About the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH} 

_{The Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB) is a centre of excellence in the life sciences that was established in 2011 on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Research at IMB focuses on the cutting-edge fields of epigenetics, genome stability, ageing and RNA biology. The institute is a prime example of successful collaboration between a private foundation and government: The Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation has committed 154 million euros to be disbursed from 2009 until 2027 to cover the operating costs of research at IMB. The State of Rhineland-Palatinate has provided approximately 50 million euros for the construction of a state-of-the-art building and is giving a further 52 million in core funding from 2020 until 2027. For more information about IMB, please visit: www.imb.de.}

_{About the Centre for Healthy Ageing}

_{The Centre for Healthy Ageing (CHA) is a virtual research centre launched in 2021 that brings together scientists in basic and clinical research from across Mainz that focus on ageing and age-related diseases. These findings can be used to promote healthy ageing and to find treatments that could prevent or cure age-related disease. For more information, please visit: www.cha-mainz.de.}

_{Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation}

_{The Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that is committed to promoting the medical, biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical sciences. It was established in 1977 by Hubertus Liebrecht (1931–1991), a member of the shareholder family of the Boehringer Ingelheim company. Through its funding programmes Exploration Grants, Plus 3, and Rise up!, the Foundation supports excellent scientists during critical stages of their careers. It also endows the prestigious Heinrich Wieland Prize and awards for emerging scientists. Additionally, it funds institutional projects combining AI and biomedicine, such as the AITHYRA institute in Vienna and a new research unit at the Center for Systems Biology in Dresden (BioAI Dresden). Other supported institutions include the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, both in Germany.} 

_{Press contact for further information}

_{Dr Ralf Dahm, Director of Scientific Management}

_{Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany} 

_{Phone: +49 (0) 6131 39 21455, Email: press(at)imb.de}