Wouter Kallemeijn

Wouter was my PhD buddy from the very beginning—side by side at MBIOC, sharing an office, learning and growing together as scientists, and collecting countless joyful memories, including an eventful trip to Torn. He saw things with a rare clarity, setting high standards for himself and inspiring the same in everyone around him. His bench was organized to a fault—so meticulous that I sometimes couldn’t resist. I’d turn a single tube the wrong way, and sure enough, Wouter would appear almost instantly, fingers fluttering in good-natured exasperation as he restored balance to his universe. And then there was his musical taste: woefully bad, easily on par with Marco’s—guaranteed to derail our workflow whenever he took control of the speakers. But more than being a brilliant scientist, Wouter was a steady source of support during difficult times—someone whose kindness, integrity, and quiet strength left a lasting mark. I regret not staying more closely in touch after our paths diverged in recent years. When moving back to the Netherlands earlier this year, I often imagined reaching out, reconnecting, and catching up on our lives. It pains me that we never had the chance. Wouter, your memory lives on in all of us who had the privilege to know you. Until we meet again. —MT