On the morning of 7 December 2023, our dear colleague Joachim Frans died in a traffic accident, while cycling to work. With Joachim’s passing we lose a very amiable, helpful and affable colleague, and, for many of us, a beloved friend. Joachim has occupied a pivotal position in our research centre for over ten years, and his loss is unreal. Our thoughts go out to his wife Magaly, his two children Maya and Noud, and his family. A brief obituary and condolence book can be found here: https://www.vub.be/en/register/in-memoriam-joachim-frans.