It is with great sorrow that we bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Steffen Gay, who passed away on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Steffen profoundly shaped our research careers and research in Rheumatology. After studying medicine in Leipzig and undertaking a daring escape to West Germany, Steffen spent 20 years conducting research in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. In 1996, he accepted a position at the University of Zurich, where he established the Center for Experimental Rheumatology at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ).
Many of us joined Steffen and Renate in Zurich, others already have been with him in Alabama. Together with Renate, Steffen led the Zurich Departments research to international recognition. One of his greatest strengths was the ability to identify scientific trends early and to drive them forward. In the early days, his focus was on collagen research, followed by pioneering work on the role of cytokines in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Later, he was among the first to recognize the importance of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis—cells whose role extends far beyond being mere structural components. Eventually, he established epigenetics as a key field of research in rheumatology. Under his leadership, the Center of Experimental Rheumatology at USZ/UZH became a EULAR Center of Excellence.
Perhaps most impressive, however, was his extraordinary ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor young scientists. Zurich became a destination of choice for young rheumatology researchers from around the world. Probably all of us remember arriving in Zurich being rather nervous, unsure what to expect with our so little research knowledge. Whether or not we had prior research experience, we were welcomed with open arms and encouraged to pursue our ideas. It was a culture of enabling rather than limiting—a place where possibilities were created, not dismissed. It was a culture creating a research family rather than creating researchers with big egos and elbows to push through. Many of us developed into leadership positions in rheumatology and neighboring fields, others went into very different directions. We believe all of us benefitted so much from staying with Steffen and Renate and/or being mentored by them.
It is difficult to put our sorrow into words. We have lost not only a brilliant scientist and former head of Experimental Rheumatology, but also a treasured human being—mentor, advisor, and friend. In recent years, Steffen took great pride in how all of you were evolving. We are committed to carrying on his legacy with dignity and in the spirit, he embodied—welcoming and open-hearted. We will come back to you in autumn how we can honor and celebrate Steffen`s life together. But now it is time for sorrow.
Rest in peace, Steffen.
Oliver Distler and Caroline Ospelt, on behalf of the clinic management