The University of Lübeck mourns the loss of virology pioneer Rolf Hilgenfeld

The University of Lübeck mourns the loss of virology pioneer Rolf Hilgenfeld

On June 19, 2025, the scientific community lost an outstanding person: Prof. Rolf Hilgenfeld, an internationally recognized structural biologist and virologist, died. In his long career, he has made a name for himself as a pioneer in coronavirus research and his discoveries have made a significant contribution to the development of antiviral drugs. The University of Lübeck and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) mourn the loss of their former director of the Institute of Biochemistry and former senior professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine.

Hilgenfeld was born on April 3, 1954 in Göttingen and received his diploma in chemistry from the University of Göttingen in 1981. From 2003 to 2020 he headed the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Lübeck and was known for his close collaboration with various research institutions, especially from China. His work not only represented an important contribution to biochemistry, but was also crucial during the SARS epidemic of 2002/2003, when he made public the three-dimensional structure of the SARS virus protease.

A life for science

Hilgenfeld's enthusiasm for science was expressed not only in his own research, but also in his commitment to supporting young scientists. He enjoyed great respect among his colleagues and students and initiated numerous innovative projects. Even after his retirement in 2020, he continued to research, opening up new perspectives for students and young researchers. At the beginning of 2020, his group clarified the three-dimensional structure of a main protease of SARS-CoV-2, thereby laying important foundations for the development of specific antiviral inhibitors.

His life's work was honored with the Carl Hermann Medal of the German Society for Crystallography in 2023. In 2006, a memorial sculpture for SARS researchers based on Hilgenfeld's publications was erected in Singapore. This shows how high his influence on the scientific community was and still is today. With his work, he has not only significantly expanded our understanding of coronaviruses, but also paved ways to combat these dangerous viruses, which have been important until the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Coronavirus epidemiology remains a central topic in virological research.

A legacy that lasts

The University of Lübeck and the UKSH have expressed their sincere condolences to the family and close colleagues. The Institute of Biochemistry has published a heartfelt obituary that honors the deceased's achievements and points out the gaps left by his absence. In an environment currently characterized by the ongoing pandemic, Hilgenfeld's work has regained urgency. His findings from research into coronaviruses, which can lead to severe disease symptoms and multi-organ failure in the case of SARS-CoV-2, among others, remain of immense importance and will accompany future research projects.

The loss of Rolf Hilgenfeld reminds us how important the work of scientists is for our society and the lasting impact they leave behind. May his legacy live on and inspire future generations in research.