It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of Prof. Dr. Frans Claas on Sunday, 2 February 2025, while he was on holiday in South Africa. Frans was not only a great mentor and leader to many of us who had the opportunity to work with him but also a wonderful person full of life and inspiration.
Frans made significant contributions to the field of transplantation immunology through his patient-oriented research and active involvement in Eurotransplant, EFI, Europdonor (Matchis), the Dutch Transplant Foundation (NTS), Eurocord, ASHI, Leiden University Medical Center, and the University of Antwerp. He strongly believed in international collaboration and generously shared his knowledge worldwide, supporting many HLA laboratories and research centers.
As the ETRL team, we will deeply miss and fondly remember Frans who was the ETRL director from 1985 to 2020. We remain committed to carrying forward his core principles of kindness, friendship and collaboration.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Frans’ wife, Ilse, along with his family, friends, and colleagues around the world.