In memory of Prof. Steffen Gay

It is with great sadness to inform you that Steffen Gay passed away on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Steffen was a founding member of the FOREUM Foundation. Without his initiative, FOREUM would not exist. Together with others of similar energy and vision, he developed the notion of a EULAR-associated Foundation to support Excellence in Rheumatology Research with grants of sufficient scale and directive purpose so as to move the field forward. The concept was also to support young talented researchers from less developed regions to develop their skills and to attend European Centres of Excellence and return their knowledge back to their national rheumatology communities. This mission is continued into today after 10 years of FOREUM.

After studying medicine in Leipzig and working at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry in Munich, Steffen spent 20 years conducting research in Birmingham, Alabama, USA as a translational scientist. In 1996, he accepted the position at the University of Zurich, where he established the Centre for Experimental Rheumatology at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). Under his leadership, Zurich became an internationally recognized Rheumatology Centre and a EULAR Centre of Excellence.
One of Steffen`s 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. Many prestigious prizes and awards are a testimony to these achievements.

Perhaps most impressive, however, was his extraordinary ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor young scientists. Zurich became a destination of choice for aspiring rheumatology researchers from around the world. Whether or not they had prior research experience, they were welcomed with open arms and encouraged to pursue their ideas. It was a culture that was enabling rather than limiting—a place where possibilities were created, not dismissed. It was a culture prospering a collaborative research family rather than creating researchers with egos and selfish ambitions that impaired progress. These are attributes that characterize Rheumatologists in general - many of us would maybe say – but perfectly embodied in Steffen! He brought that mentality also to organisations such as EULAR and FOREUM in which he was strongly and continuously engaged.

It is difficult to put our sorrow into words. We have lost not only a brilliant scientist, but also a treasured human being—colleague, mentor, advisor, partner in research and a friend. In recent years, Steffen was very proud in how FOREUM was evolving. We are committed to carrying on his legacy with dignity and in the spirit he embodied—welcoming and open-hearted. Our thoughts are with his wife Renate, their children, and grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Steffen.