It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of our colleague Professor Steffen Gay, MD, who passed away on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Professor Gay was a committed and highly esteemed member of the Board of Trustees of the Carol Nachman Prize for Rheumatology of the state capital Wiesbaden for many decades. With his calm, approachable and always friendly manner, he provided us with great expertise over many years. His clear stance, his scientific vision and his keen sense for medical excellence were always a valuable aid in our decision-making process when selecting award winners.

Steffen Gay was not only an internationally recognized researcher who played a key role in shaping rheumatology - he was also an advisor, companion and friend to many of us. After his academic career in the USA, he shaped rheumatology research in Zurich for decades and established the Center for Experimental Rheumatology there. Through him, generations of young scientists found an open, supportive research home.

For us on the Board of Trustees, Professor Gay was a reliable, intelligent and particularly approachable colleague. His fine sense of humor, his modesty and his integrity made him stand out - and set an example for us all.

In him, we are not only losing an important scientist, but also a person with a heart and attitude who supported the cause of the Carol Nachman Prize in the best sense of the word.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Renate, his children and grandchildren. We will keep Steffen Gay in honorable memory - as a scientist, as a member of the Board of Trustees, and as a friend.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Carol Nachman Prize,

Wiesbaden, July 2025