Honouring Prof. Dr. Johannes Beckers

INFRAFRONTIER honours the life and legacy of Prof. Dr. Johannes Beckers, Executive MBA, Scientific Managing Director of INFRAFRONTIER, whose vision, scientific curiosity, and commitment to biomedical research left a lasting mark on our community.

It is with profound sadness that INFRAFRONTIER announces the unexpected passing of our Scientific Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Johannes Beckers, Executive MBA.

Johannes joined INFRAFRONTIER in June 2025, following his introduction to the community as designated Scientific Managing Director during the INFRAFRONTIER Conference on Rare Diseases on 28–29 April 2025. From the outset, he brought remarkable energy, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing INFRAFRONTIER’s mission. His leadership and strategic contributions have left a meaningful legacy that will continue to guide the organisation in the years ahead.

During his time with INFRAFRONTIER, Johannes played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future. His contributions to the development of the INFRAFRONTIER Strategic Roadmap 2026–2031 reflected his deep understanding of biomedical research infrastructure and his ambition to strengthen INFRAFRONTIER’s impact in supporting research into human disease.

Many members of the INFRAFRONTIER community met Johannes during this year’s conference, Towards in silico modelling of health and disease, held in Rome on 23–24 June 2025. His enthusiasm for scientific collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to innovation were immediately evident to colleagues and partners alike.

Johannes’ scientific career was characterised by intellectual curiosity, scientific excellence, and a strong commitment to responsible biomedical research. As head of the Gene Regulation and Epigenetics research group at the Institute of Experimental Genetics (IEG), Helmholtz Munich, he made important contributions to the field of epigenetics, advancing our understanding of gene regulation and its role in health and disease.

He was also a passionate advocate for transparent and open communication about animal research. Convinced that dialogue with society is essential for scientific progress, Johannes co-hosted the German podcast Fabeln, Fell und Fakten together with Roman Stilling from Tierversuche verstehen, helping to explain the role of animal research in biomedical discovery and address common misconceptions. Most recently, he featured INFRAFRONTIER’s activities in a special episode recorded during the INFRAFRONTIER Conference in Rome.

Johannes also firmly believed that animal research and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are complementary rather than competing approaches. He consistently promoted the view that both are indispensable components of modern biomedical research. By combining advanced model systems with innovative non-animal methods, researchers can generate robust scientific evidence needed to better understand disease and develop new therapies that improve human health. This balanced perspective was one of the principles he championed throughout his scientific career and leadership at INFRAFRONTIER.

“I had the privilege of working very closely with Johannes and experienced first-hand how much he valued his role at INFRAFRONTIER and how deeply he cared about advancing the modelling of human disease. His vision, dedication, and collegial spirit made a lasting impact on our organisation. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” reflects, Administrative Managing Director at Dr.Michael Raess.

If anyone would like to extend their condolences or share a fond memory of Johannes please do not hesitate to contact vasb@vasensebagvre.rh

In remembrance of Johannes Beckers

During the time we had the pleasure of working with Johannes, we came to appreciate his dedication, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to the INFRAFRONTIER community.

At a time of important changes and challenges for the biomedical research landscape, Johannes brought a thoughtful and forward-looking perspective to INFRAFRONTIER. His vision for INFRAFRONTIER and his contribution to shaping the Strategic Roadmap reflected his commitment to helping the community adapt to new scientific and technological developments while preserving its unique expertise, identity, and collaborative spirit.

He always took the time to listen to different perspectives and sought to build consensus in the interest of the community, while respecting the diversity, strengths, and specificities of each partner. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision was truly appreciated.

Beyond his dedication to INFRAFRONTIER, I will remember Johannes for his kindness, humility, support and the respect he showed to everyone he worked with. These qualities made working with him a genuine pleasure.

Dr. Ana Zarubica, PHENOMIN-CIPHE

We have been recalling the nice time we've spent with Johannes at the last INFRAFRONTIER Conference in Rome and at several other events.

He will remembered as an excellent scientist and a kind, friendly person.

Dr. Daniela Marazziti & Dr. Rafaele Matteoni, CNR ITALY

I have been in his company many times since EARA was created, I valued his opinion and support immensely.

Kirk Leech, EARA

Johannes' dedication to advancing biomedical research and scientific collaboration leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire many.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. On behalf of the entire ERIC Forum team, we extend our heartfelt condolences.

ERIC Forum

Johannes was an outstanding scientist and a visionary leader whose commitment, generosity, and dedication were instrumental in strengthening INFRAFRONTIER and advancing international collaboration in mouse genetics NAMs and biomedical research. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace, Johannes. You will be greatly missed.

Dr. Anna Moles, CNR Italy

I had the privilege of meeting Johannes both at his inauguration in Munich and again at our RExPO conference in Barcelona. He impressed me as an enthusiastic, visionary leader with a genuine passion for advancing biomedical research.

We shared many discussions about the need to redefine diseases more precisely and about the strong synergies between INFRAFRONTIER and REPO4EU in building the next generation of precision medicine research infrastructures. His openness to collaboration and his strategic vision created common ground that I had hoped we would continue to develop together.

On behalf of the entire REPO4EU consortium and all our collaborators, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Johannes’ family, friends, and colleagues at INFRAFRONTIER. His passing is a great loss to the scientific community, and he will be greatly missed.

Prof. Dr. Harald Schmidt