It is with deep sadness that the Centre for Healthy Ageing (CHA) announces the unexpected passing of our dear colleague Dr Nard Kubben last week.
Nard, a Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), had a profound passion for uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of ageing to improve human health span. His research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases, using a Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome-based cellular system. Nard’s innovative approaches opened new avenues for exploring the biology of ageing and identifying potential therapeutic interventions. His scientific vision inspired many, and he was driven by the hope that discoveries in his lab could one day benefit human health.
Nard is remembered as a dedicated mentor to his students and colleagues. Those who worked with him will remember his thoughtfulness, empathy and sharp intellect, as well as his warm and kind personality. He will be deeply missed, not only as a scientist but also as a colleague and friend. The CHA extends our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Further details
About the Centre for Healthy Ageing
The Centre for Healthy Ageing (CHA) is a virtual research centre launched in 2021 that brings together scientists in basic and clinical research from across Mainz that focus on ageing and age-related diseases. These findings can be used to promote healthy ageing and to find treatments that could prevent or cure age-related disease. For more information, please visit: www.cha-mainz.de.
About the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH
The Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB) is a centre of excellence in the life sciences that was established in 2011 on the campus of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). Research at IMB focuses on the cutting-edge fields of epigenetics, genome stability, ageing and RNA biology. The institute is a prime example of successful collaboration between a private foundation and government: The Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation has committed 154 million euros to be disbursed from 2009 until 2027 to cover the operating costs of research at IMB. The State of Rhineland-Palatinate has provided approximately 50 million euros for the construction of a state-of-the-art building and is giving a further 52 million in core funding from 2020 until 2027. For more information about IMB, please visit: www.imb.de.
Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation
The Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that is committed to promoting the medical, biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical sciences. It was established in 1977 by Hubertus Liebrecht (1931–1991), a member of the shareholder family of the Boehringer Ingelheim company. Through its funding programmes Exploration Grants, Plus 3, and Rise up!, the Foundation supports excellent scientists during critical stages of their careers. It also endows the prestigious Heinrich Wieland Prize and awards for emerging scientists. Additionally, it funds institutional projects combining AI and biomedicine, such as the AITHYRA institute in Vienna and a new research unit at the Center for Systems Biology in Dresden (BioAI Dresden). Other supported institutions include the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, both in Germany.
Press contact for further information
Dr Ralf Dahm, Director of Scientific Management
Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 6131 39 21455, Email: press@imb.de
