A sad loss for the ESDR community: Professor Klaus Wolff, founder, past President and Honorary Member of the ESDR, passed away on 20 December 2019. Klaus Wolff, born in Hermannstadt, Siebenbürgen, on 4 December 1935, was Chair of the departments of dermatology in Innsbruck, Austria, from 1976-1981 and in Vienna, Austria, from 1981-2004. He was President of the Austrian Society of Dermatovenereology (ÖGDV) in 1977, 1982 and 1993-1994, and President of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) in 1976. He served as President of the International League of Dermatological Societies from 1987-1992, and was honorary member of medical institutions and associations in numerous countries. As editor of “Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine” and “Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology” he was known to students and doctors worldwide. Many of his students became leaders.

 

As a clinician, scientist and mentor he was one of a kind. The respect and warmth felt by Klaus Wolff’s academic family was extraordinary. Remembrance of his innate curiosity and appreciation of life will continue to impress and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him personally. The significance of his achievements in clinical medicine and research will be an enduring legacy for his patients, for dermatological science, and for the dermatological community.

 

Our condolences go to his family.

 

Matthias Schmuth