In memoriam Em. Prof. Marc Bracke
With sadness, we inform you that Em. Prof. Marc Bracke has passed away. We want to take the opportunity here to reflect for a moment on the rich life and career of Marc:
Marc began his career at the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine in the late 1980s, where he was immediately recognized as both brilliant and exceptionally collegially. Trained as a clinical biologist, he completed numerous specializations—including clinical chemistry, in-vitro nuclear medicine, microbiology, and hematology—and combined his role as director of a clinical laboratory with research in experimental cancer biology. In 2000 he became a part-time lecturer at Ghent University, and in 2007 a full professor. Marc was also one of the co-founders of our 'Cancer Research Institute Ghent' in 2016.
Marc built an impressive scientific legacy: over 300 publications focused on cancer invasion and metastasis, the role of adhesion molecules like cadherins, and the effects of natural compounds such as those found in hops, red wine, and citrus fruits—work that even received international media attention.
He was also a passionate and gifted teacher within Biomedical Sciences. Students valued his clear explanations and his ability to bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice.
In service to the scientific community, Marc reviewed countless project proposals for cancer foundations, always with the same dedication and eye for detail.
Above all, Marc was a warm and genuine person, husband and (grand)father. He valued long-term relationships, supported students far beyond their PhDs, and brought humor and humanity into every workplace he entered. Many will also remember him as a talented musician with a memorable Joe Cocker impression.
With his passing, we lose not only an accomplished scientist and educator, but a deeply respected colleague and friend.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
(With thanks to Prof. Olivier De Wever & Prof. An Hendrix for the above obituary text)