We mourn the loss of Prof. em. Andreas Engel, who passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 82.

Andreas Engel was not only an outstanding scientist and a pioneer in nano- and structural biology, but also one of the founding fathers of the Nanoscience degree program at the University of Basel nearly 25 years ago. Through his dedication and visionary leadership within the then newly established National Centre of Competence in Research in Nanosciences (NCCR Nano), he played a key role in creating the interdisciplinary Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that continue to inspire young talents to this day. At the time, educating students in an interdisciplinary way across the natural sciences from the very beginning was a true innovation – thanks to Andreas Engel, the first students successfully graduated in nanosciences as early as 2005.

Andreas Engel also remained closely connected to the successor organization of the NCCR Nano, the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI). In recognition of his exceptional commitment to the study program, he was awarded the honorary membership of the SNI in 2016. In addition, his distinguished research in the fields of atomic force microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy contributed to numerous projects.

Above all, we have lost a warm, enthusiastic, and highly valued colleague. He cared deeply about the education of young scientists, personal interaction, and interdisciplinary thinking – something many of us experienced once again at the anniversary celebration of the nanoscience program last year.

We will always remember Andreas Engel with great gratitude, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

More information about Andreas Engel’s career and research:

Obituary for Prof. Andreas Engel (1943 – 2026)

Interview with Prof. Andreas Engel about the foundation of the nanoscience program (2014)