Stephane Berghmans
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Stephane Berghmans, former Director for Research and Innovation at the European University Association.
Stephane joined EUA in September 2020, leaving a lasting mark on the Association. A veterinary doctor by training, he built a rich and diverse career across countries and organisations, always with research and innovation at its core. Throughout his professional journey, he fostered strong partnerships and open collaborations — many of which grew into lasting friendships.
During his tenure, Stephane led the introduction of new strategic agendas in research and innovation and strengthened EUA’s policy and advocacy work in these areas. He also deepened the Association’s engagement with key stakeholders, notably through the university sector’s contribution to, and participation in, the European Research Area Forum, where he played a pivotal role.
A skilled mediator with a deep commitment and passion for research and innovation in universities, he had a unique ability to bring people together and inspire trust and respect. An insightful and inspiring leader, he combined clarity and humanity in even the most complex discussions, always guided by the common good. Curious and open-minded, he was eager to meet new people, explore new horizons, and embrace fresh ideas — in his work and beyond.
Beyond his professional achievements, Stephane was a caring and attentive colleague and friend who took a genuine interest in others. He created a positive and collaborative atmosphere, brought people together, and made work enjoyable with his sharp mind, engaging conversations, and sense of humour. Exceptionally well-informed and always eager to learn, he could discuss almost any topic with insight and curiosity, continually broadening his understanding of the world and sharing that enthusiasm with those around him. An avid hiker, skier, and cyclist, he was full of energy and passion for life. He enjoyed good food and drinks — from fine wine and craft beer to his own home-made kombucha. A man of culture, he felt equally at home at art exhibitions, theatre performances, and muddy music festivals.
Stephane leaves behind a legacy of progress, collaboration, and integrity for all of us who had the privilege to work with him. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, vision, and leadership, and for all that he contributed to EUA.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. His memory will remain cherished within EUA and beyond.
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December 3, 2025
Cher Stéphane et famille, Nous avons été collègues de bureau à la fac VT. Je me rappelle ton énergie au travail et ta bonne humeur. Je suis heureux d'avoir croisé ta route et triste d'apprendre qu'elle s'arrête pour toi aujourd'hui. Le souvenir de tant de moments partagés reste dans mon cœur. Courage à ta famille. J'avais été profondément heureux de te revoir il y a 5 ans comme si le temps ne s'était pas écoulé. Affectueusement. Bernard
November 21, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Stephane's family, friends and close colleagues. Stephane had a wonderful way of welcoming all of us EUA experts, making us feel included and valued. With his rock-steady professionalism, he made the world better than it was before.
November 12, 2025
I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Stephane‘s passing. I often found myself at the same meetings in Brussels and other locations and we always had wonderful conversations and exchange of information about all things EU. He was so knowledgeable and insightful but, beyond that, Stephane was also a gentle and courteous person with a fabulous and wicked sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by me and so many others. My sincere condolences to his family.
November 7, 2025
Rest in peace, Stéphane. It was a real pleasure to have crossed paths with you on so many different occasions, from the Université de Liège to the European University Association. I will always remember your example of loyalty, efficiency, and friendship. Thank you for everything you have contributed to research management. We will miss you.
November 5, 2025
Dear Stéphane. As a colleague from our happy days together at the European Science Foundation, I am still in disbelief.. It is with very fond memories that I recall your leadership of the EMRC in Strassbourg, where you as team lead set the example as a leader who used both his head and heart in the role. You managed to give every one of us a sense of direction and purpose - all carefully served with fun and wit.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to your children, your close family and friends.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to your children, your close family and friends.
November 5, 2025
Shocked to hear of Stephane's passing. A memory.... faire des feux d'artifices dans son jardin avec les filles pour un 5 Nov a Rampton!
et parler Solex pour faire le trajet a Daniolabs.
Oh and why am I not surprised that you were doing Kombucha! ;-)
Bon courage aux (grandes!) filles.
et parler Solex pour faire le trajet a Daniolabs.
Oh and why am I not surprised that you were doing Kombucha! ;-)
Bon courage aux (grandes!) filles.
November 5, 2025
It is with deep sadness that I just learned that Stephane passed away. I had the honor and pleasure to work with Stephane when he joined Elsevier and later when he moved to the EUA. I highly value his openess, deep knowledge and enthusiasm to look to all posssible solutions. My sincere condolences to his familly.
November 4, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Stephane's passing. He was an absolute gentlemen who was a joy to spend time with. Before I heard about his illness I had invited him to Dublin last year, but sadly he was not able to make the trip. He is a huge loss for the European R&I community and the EUA. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
November 4, 2025
I had the great pleasure of working with Stéphane at EUA. I am very grateful for his openness and his trust in collaborating, especially on the ERA action for universities. His enthusiasm was contagious, even at times, when others may have doubted things. I will remember the smile and the positive energy with which he often entered my office. He knew how to motivate people to go forward and also when it was time to let go - precious qualities in the complex environment of European policy and cooperation.
The way he dealt with his illness, deeply impressed me - his courage to share his vulnerability and his willingness to live life to the fullest until the end showed his strong soul. I wish this same inner strength and light to his family and loved ones.
The way he dealt with his illness, deeply impressed me - his courage to share his vulnerability and his willingness to live life to the fullest until the end showed his strong soul. I wish this same inner strength and light to his family and loved ones.
November 3, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Stephane at EUA over three years; our first meeting was online during the Covid pandemic in October 2020. Even online, Stephane’s presence could be clearly felt. He was charming, curious, an effective communicator listening carefully to our discussions. His energy and enthusiasm impacted all. Stephane was an enabler who wanted everyone to achieve their full potential. His insights, guidance and support were always available. I regard the roadmap document that we produced as a great achievement. I met Stephane in person on two occasions. His infectious interest wanted to learn not just about the work but about the person behind the work. Conversations with Stephane were empowering. I am deeply saddened about Stephane; he was younger than me. I am also grateful for the interactions we enjoyed and how this enriched my life. It is this that I will choose to remember. Thank you Stephane.
November 3, 2025
I had the privilege to work together with Stephane in the ERA Forum, we often had bilateral smoothies together to discuss the most recent and burning questions of ERA and life in general. We co-organised a joint event under the Hungarian Presidency. He would have moderated one of the panels, but he received his diagnosis exactly that day.
I also had the privilege to visit him three times in his home. The last time I saw him happened to be his last day with us. He could hardly speak, but he still wanted to communicate, his eyes were full of life, he smiled at me when I assured him, how many of us love him. When I was taking my leave, he still told me: See you soon! The next day I learned he passed away that night.
I will always remember his smart and kind humanity.
I also had the privilege to visit him three times in his home. The last time I saw him happened to be his last day with us. He could hardly speak, but he still wanted to communicate, his eyes were full of life, he smiled at me when I assured him, how many of us love him. When I was taking my leave, he still told me: See you soon! The next day I learned he passed away that night.
I will always remember his smart and kind humanity.
November 3, 2025
The last time I saw Stephane, he told me he was ‘lucky’ as he had such a full life, he had seen his children grow up - and he was meeting people suffering from this horrible disease who had not been so ‘lucky’.
This positive attitude really defined Stephane, and made him an incredibly pleasant person to work with - I had the privilege to work with him on the launch of CoARA - Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment.
I am very saddened by this news. Condolences to Stephane’s family. I will remember his enthusiasm, generosity and determination to bring joy, including to his work and his colleagues. His legacy lives on, not just in what he did, but also in how he did it.
This positive attitude really defined Stephane, and made him an incredibly pleasant person to work with - I had the privilege to work with him on the launch of CoARA - Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment.
I am very saddened by this news. Condolences to Stephane’s family. I will remember his enthusiasm, generosity and determination to bring joy, including to his work and his colleagues. His legacy lives on, not just in what he did, but also in how he did it.
November 3, 2025
It is with great sadness that I have learned about Stephane´s passing. I will remember him as a great professional, dedicated to his work, nice and warm hearthed person.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
November 2, 2025
With great sadness I received the message of Stephanes passing. And the last days so many good memories came back of all our undertakings over the past years. From Elsevier, to RDA, to ESOF in Leiden. Always filled with sparkling conversations, humour, and personal interest.
I particularly cherish our last dinner this March in Ukkel at your favourite Italian restaurant. The talking never stopped.
Rest in piece,
My condoleances to Claude and your daughters.
I particularly cherish our last dinner this March in Ukkel at your favourite Italian restaurant. The talking never stopped.
Rest in piece,
My condoleances to Claude and your daughters.
November 2, 2025
Avril 2023, dans le train au retour de Gdańsk. Nous parlons de l'assemblée annuelle de l'EUA qui vient de s'achever. Tu me racontes ton enfance, entre l'Afrique et l'Arabie Saoudite.
Continue ton voyage, tu aimais tellement bourlinguer. Merci, Stéphane! Je suis heureuse de t'avoir rencontré. A ta famille et à tes proches, je souhaite le courage de faire face à cette épreuve.
Continue ton voyage, tu aimais tellement bourlinguer. Merci, Stéphane! Je suis heureuse de t'avoir rencontré. A ta famille et à tes proches, je souhaite le courage de faire face à cette épreuve.
November 2, 2025
I had the pleasure to interact with Stephane while member of the EUA expert group on innovation. Stephane was the driving force of the group showing professionalism and enthusiam in his work and respect for everyone.
I am really sad to know about his passing.
My deepest condolences to his family.
I am really sad to know about his passing.
My deepest condolences to his family.
November 2, 2025
Stephane will be remembered not only for his professional excellence but also for his genuine kindness and his gift for connecting people. My thoughts are with his family and all who were close to him.
November 1, 2025
I am saddened and shocked to learn of Stéphane's passing. I have very fond memories of him while working at EUA. I distinctly remember discussing places to visit in Belgium with him during one of our "language lunches" and him recommending Redu, le village des livres. I will definitely make a trip there in his honour as soon as I can. My thoughts go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
November 1, 2025
I still remember our first lunch soon after Stephane joined EUA in September 2020. We began talking about work, but our conversation soon drifted toward life, what matters to us, and the many interests we shared. With Stephane — whose curiosity was endless — this was not difficult.
He joined during Covid, not an easy moment to enter the “bubble,” yet he did so with great openness and dedication. I quickly came to value having another mind at EUA who placed purpose, strategy, and direction at the core. His impact on the organisation and the sector has been immense, as many have already described so well. For me, Stéphane will always remain a role model of real servant leadership — leading with empathy, purpose, and a focus on enabling others to grow.
I am deeply grateful for our friendship and connection — for the trust, openness, and the many joyful and precious moments we shared. What always struck me was Stephane’s humility, despite his many talents. It stemmed from a genuine curiosity about others, which shaped the way he connected with people. We both shared a passion for art, and I loved our exchanges about what we each created. His work was remarkable, yet he was always more interested in discovering and appreciating the creativity of others.
I cherish the moments we still shared over the past year — from our time in Vienna exactly one year ago to our last meeting just weeks ago. I wish there had been more time, but I will hold on to your reminder to use the time we have to do what we love, now rather than later.
I miss you, Stephane.
My thoughts are with Claude and the family — your care and strength over this past year have been truly inspiring.
He joined during Covid, not an easy moment to enter the “bubble,” yet he did so with great openness and dedication. I quickly came to value having another mind at EUA who placed purpose, strategy, and direction at the core. His impact on the organisation and the sector has been immense, as many have already described so well. For me, Stéphane will always remain a role model of real servant leadership — leading with empathy, purpose, and a focus on enabling others to grow.
I am deeply grateful for our friendship and connection — for the trust, openness, and the many joyful and precious moments we shared. What always struck me was Stephane’s humility, despite his many talents. It stemmed from a genuine curiosity about others, which shaped the way he connected with people. We both shared a passion for art, and I loved our exchanges about what we each created. His work was remarkable, yet he was always more interested in discovering and appreciating the creativity of others.
I cherish the moments we still shared over the past year — from our time in Vienna exactly one year ago to our last meeting just weeks ago. I wish there had been more time, but I will hold on to your reminder to use the time we have to do what we love, now rather than later.
I miss you, Stephane.
My thoughts are with Claude and the family — your care and strength over this past year have been truly inspiring.
November 1, 2025
Thanks for all intellectual and interesting discussions in EUA. My condolences 🌸
October 31, 2025
You had to leave us a bit too early dear Stephane. We will sorely miss your contagious optimism, your candor and honesty, your humour and especially your friendship. I personally owe you a big thanks for your collaboration in developing CoARA - you believed in the possibility to reform the academic evaluation system when very few people did and I doubt if success would have been possible without your contribution. My warmest condolences to your family and EUA colleagues.
October 31, 2025
Cher Stéphane,
J'ai eu le plaisir de te connaitre et d'avoir de magnifiques discussions avec toi au tout début de mon entrée dans le monde de la recherche en tant que jeune doctorante. Dès notre premier échange, tu m'a adressée avec tant de respect, de gentillesse et d'écoute, n'accordant pas la moindre importance à l'écart d'expérience qu'il y avais entre nous deux. Je garderai avec moi un fort souvenir de ta vision positive et pleine d'espoir envers un monde de la recherche meilleur. Je suis certaine que nous sommes plusieurs à conserver en nous une lueur de cet espoir que tu nous a partagé, c'est un héritage très précieux qui est loin d'avoir fini de faire sa marque.
J'offre mes très sincères condoléances à tes proches et à tous ceux qui vivront ton absence dans le quotidien.
Noémie
J'ai eu le plaisir de te connaitre et d'avoir de magnifiques discussions avec toi au tout début de mon entrée dans le monde de la recherche en tant que jeune doctorante. Dès notre premier échange, tu m'a adressée avec tant de respect, de gentillesse et d'écoute, n'accordant pas la moindre importance à l'écart d'expérience qu'il y avais entre nous deux. Je garderai avec moi un fort souvenir de ta vision positive et pleine d'espoir envers un monde de la recherche meilleur. Je suis certaine que nous sommes plusieurs à conserver en nous une lueur de cet espoir que tu nous a partagé, c'est un héritage très précieux qui est loin d'avoir fini de faire sa marque.
J'offre mes très sincères condoléances à tes proches et à tous ceux qui vivront ton absence dans le quotidien.
Noémie
October 31, 2025
Cher Stéphane, je t’ai connu à Boston. Je ne compte pas le nombre d’heures de conversation endiablée à tous les sujets que nous avons pu avoir, et les heures de bonheur à simplement faire la fête ou marcher ensemble. Tu es bien trop scientifique et rationnel pour croire à la spiritualité… malgré tous mes efforts. J’espère qu’en me lisant du monde invisible tu souris en te disant que j’aurais eu le dernier mot dans au moins une de nos joutes verbales amicales. Je t’embrasse.
October 31, 2025
Cher Stephane,
Merci pour les bons moments, les sourires, les discussions. Comme tous les collègues, j'ai été marquée par ta bonne humeur et ta positivité. Je garde précieusement en souvenir nos voyages aux quatre coins de l'Europe et nos pas de danse aux dîners des évènements EUA. Tu nous manques à tous.
Toutes mes pensées pour ta famille et tes proches.
Julia
Merci pour les bons moments, les sourires, les discussions. Comme tous les collègues, j'ai été marquée par ta bonne humeur et ta positivité. Je garde précieusement en souvenir nos voyages aux quatre coins de l'Europe et nos pas de danse aux dîners des évènements EUA. Tu nous manques à tous.
Toutes mes pensées pour ta famille et tes proches.
Julia
October 31, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
I had the honour to work with you and see you working in the early stages of CoARA. Whether with members of your team or not, you treated everyone as a close colleague: with warmth, respect, and positive energy & enthusiasm. During our Drafting Team meetings, I learnt a lot about research assessment, but much more about good leadership, support, and collaboration – thank you.
My deepest condolences to your family, loved ones, and colleagues.
James
I had the honour to work with you and see you working in the early stages of CoARA. Whether with members of your team or not, you treated everyone as a close colleague: with warmth, respect, and positive energy & enthusiasm. During our Drafting Team meetings, I learnt a lot about research assessment, but much more about good leadership, support, and collaboration – thank you.
My deepest condolences to your family, loved ones, and colleagues.
James
October 31, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Stephane but also celebrate a life full of compassion and devotion to European research & innovation!
As representatives of a small network of universities of applied sciences (UAS4EUROPE), Stephane was the leading figure behind accepting us into the informal coordination roundtable of Brussels-based university associations early-on into the process of the first ERA Policy Agenda in 2022. Over the following years, we were privileged to be guided by Stephane’s professionalism and leadership in the context of the ERA Forum. As many people who worked with Stephane can second, he had an impressive ability to make everyone feel welcome, comfortable and in a friendly environment. In this spirit, he could turn even the liveliest debates into thoughtful dialogue and navigate the floods and tides of the higher education sector with grace — ever with a smile.
Stephane has proven many times to spearhead the values of inclusion, commitment and resilience. We will remember him as an outstanding colleague, an inspiring leader and – most importantly – a good friend, who will influence the way we approach our work and colleagues for many years to come.
While we will not forget Stephane, we express our profound condolences to his family, all loved ones and the entire EUA team for this irreplaceable loss.
Luca Cruciato (SwissCore) & Tim Uebelen (Bavarian Research Alliance)
As representatives of a small network of universities of applied sciences (UAS4EUROPE), Stephane was the leading figure behind accepting us into the informal coordination roundtable of Brussels-based university associations early-on into the process of the first ERA Policy Agenda in 2022. Over the following years, we were privileged to be guided by Stephane’s professionalism and leadership in the context of the ERA Forum. As many people who worked with Stephane can second, he had an impressive ability to make everyone feel welcome, comfortable and in a friendly environment. In this spirit, he could turn even the liveliest debates into thoughtful dialogue and navigate the floods and tides of the higher education sector with grace — ever with a smile.
Stephane has proven many times to spearhead the values of inclusion, commitment and resilience. We will remember him as an outstanding colleague, an inspiring leader and – most importantly – a good friend, who will influence the way we approach our work and colleagues for many years to come.
While we will not forget Stephane, we express our profound condolences to his family, all loved ones and the entire EUA team for this irreplaceable loss.
Luca Cruciato (SwissCore) & Tim Uebelen (Bavarian Research Alliance)
October 31, 2025
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Stéphane Berghmans. His death comes as a hard shock — all the more so knowing that he was two years younger than me.
Stéphane was a valued colleague and an engaged voice in the European research and innovation community. In his role as Director for Research and Innovation at the European University Association, he was a committed advocate for strengthening Europe’s research system and supporting its universities. Before that, during his time as Vice-President at Elsevier, our professional paths crossed more frequently, and I always appreciated his openness, intelligence, and constructive spirit.
We did not always share the same views — whether on open access, the European Research Area, or other policy matters — but we respected and valued each other as persons and professionals. I regret that our contacts became less frequent in recent years, but my respect and esteem for Stéphane never diminished.
On behalf of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and personally, I express my heartfelt condolences to Stéphane’s family, friends, and colleagues at the EUA. His passing is a loss to all who care about research, innovation, and the European academic community.
Kurt Deketelaere
Secretary-General, LERU
Stéphane was a valued colleague and an engaged voice in the European research and innovation community. In his role as Director for Research and Innovation at the European University Association, he was a committed advocate for strengthening Europe’s research system and supporting its universities. Before that, during his time as Vice-President at Elsevier, our professional paths crossed more frequently, and I always appreciated his openness, intelligence, and constructive spirit.
We did not always share the same views — whether on open access, the European Research Area, or other policy matters — but we respected and valued each other as persons and professionals. I regret that our contacts became less frequent in recent years, but my respect and esteem for Stéphane never diminished.
On behalf of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and personally, I express my heartfelt condolences to Stéphane’s family, friends, and colleagues at the EUA. His passing is a loss to all who care about research, innovation, and the European academic community.
Kurt Deketelaere
Secretary-General, LERU
October 31, 2025
Words still fail me. Colleagues and friends have found so many ways to express what a brilliant and exceptional human being and professional Stephane was - and I share in all their sentiments.
I will miss him so very much. My deepest condolences go to his family - may they find some peace, in time.
I will miss him so very much. My deepest condolences go to his family - may they find some peace, in time.
October 31, 2025
Dear Stephane,
There are no words to express how sad it is to know you are gone. I want to thank you for being such a great manager, for your trust, honesty, and for your spot-on sense of what really matters. You never failed to make time for me — to support me, guide me, and advise me — even when your days were overflowing and filled with other things on your mind, especially in these last difficult months. This means more to me than I can say. I will miss your sharp humour, your positive spirit, and your always can-do attitude, not to mention your homemade treats at our unit meetings.
It was a privilege to work alongside you day by day to promote the value of research and innovation and to remind others how essential it is for finding solutions to the many challenges that still lie beyond our reach. You could not have known then how deeply this mission would become part of your own story. Your words will stay with me: live your life now, do not wait. I will do my best to follow them, though I wish you were still here to remind us of it from time to time.
Farewell, Stephane!
Kamila, EUA
There are no words to express how sad it is to know you are gone. I want to thank you for being such a great manager, for your trust, honesty, and for your spot-on sense of what really matters. You never failed to make time for me — to support me, guide me, and advise me — even when your days were overflowing and filled with other things on your mind, especially in these last difficult months. This means more to me than I can say. I will miss your sharp humour, your positive spirit, and your always can-do attitude, not to mention your homemade treats at our unit meetings.
It was a privilege to work alongside you day by day to promote the value of research and innovation and to remind others how essential it is for finding solutions to the many challenges that still lie beyond our reach. You could not have known then how deeply this mission would become part of your own story. Your words will stay with me: live your life now, do not wait. I will do my best to follow them, though I wish you were still here to remind us of it from time to time.
Farewell, Stephane!
Kamila, EUA
October 31, 2025
Dearest Stephane, dear friend and colleague,
We will always remember our wonderful, joyful and inspiring activities, chats and lively discussions - often around our professional meetings in the times of ESF or EHFG...
Thank you for your friendship and trust!
When we look in the sky we will see you, dear sparkling star in the universe!
Angela & Helmut (Brand)
We will always remember our wonderful, joyful and inspiring activities, chats and lively discussions - often around our professional meetings in the times of ESF or EHFG...
Thank you for your friendship and trust!
When we look in the sky we will see you, dear sparkling star in the universe!
Angela & Helmut (Brand)
October 31, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
When your photo appeared on LinkedIn, I thought it might be an exciting update about a new chapter in your career. I am very saddened to learn instead that you are no longer with us.
We often talked about how you were invited more often to international events than to Belgian ones, and I joked that we would change that soon. The last time I saw you, even though it was not a work-related event and I knew you have been on leave for sometime, you encouraged me to join an international event that was being organized and even guided me on whom to contact for an invitation.
Your generosity, kindness, and passion for research touched so many. What a big loss for the research community. You will be dearly missed.
When your photo appeared on LinkedIn, I thought it might be an exciting update about a new chapter in your career. I am very saddened to learn instead that you are no longer with us.
We often talked about how you were invited more often to international events than to Belgian ones, and I joked that we would change that soon. The last time I saw you, even though it was not a work-related event and I knew you have been on leave for sometime, you encouraged me to join an international event that was being organized and even guided me on whom to contact for an invitation.
Your generosity, kindness, and passion for research touched so many. What a big loss for the research community. You will be dearly missed.
October 31, 2025
Cher Stéphane,
We last met in Vienna in November of 2024 at the ERA Forum meeting where I was representing Initiative for Science in Europe. It is there that you announced publicly that you would withdraw from EUA for health reasons, and told me about your grave illness. You told me about your intention to making the most of the time you had left. Your show of wisdom in accepting your fate was very impressive and moving.
We worked together on improving the representation of stakeholders at the EU level, you for EUA, I for ISE. Before that we had been together on the Board of Euroscience, where among many other things we were both on the jury of the Euroscience Young Researchers Award.
I will miss you sorely -- and I present my condolences to your family and close friends.
We last met in Vienna in November of 2024 at the ERA Forum meeting where I was representing Initiative for Science in Europe. It is there that you announced publicly that you would withdraw from EUA for health reasons, and told me about your grave illness. You told me about your intention to making the most of the time you had left. Your show of wisdom in accepting your fate was very impressive and moving.
We worked together on improving the representation of stakeholders at the EU level, you for EUA, I for ISE. Before that we had been together on the Board of Euroscience, where among many other things we were both on the jury of the Euroscience Young Researchers Award.
I will miss you sorely -- and I present my condolences to your family and close friends.
October 31, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
I had the pleasure of meeting you as a representative of the ERA Forum — full of enthusiasm for your field and never afraid to challenge a full room with thoughtful questions. It is rare to meet someone so deeply passionate not only about the topics themselves but also about the people working on them. I am truly grateful to have met such a genuine and inspiring colleague whose dedication and warmth will be long remembered.
I had the pleasure of meeting you as a representative of the ERA Forum — full of enthusiasm for your field and never afraid to challenge a full room with thoughtful questions. It is rare to meet someone so deeply passionate not only about the topics themselves but also about the people working on them. I am truly grateful to have met such a genuine and inspiring colleague whose dedication and warmth will be long remembered.
October 31, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
It was an honor to work with you, even though we didn't have many opportunities to cooperate. Thank you for every meeting, and my sincere condolences to all family and friends.
It was an honor to work with you, even though we didn't have many opportunities to cooperate. Thank you for every meeting, and my sincere condolences to all family and friends.
October 31, 2025
Cher Stéphane, Cela fait tout vide de savoir qu'un homme comme toi n'est plus. Tu nous as toujours comblé de ta bonne humeur, de tes conversations passionnantes sans jamais vraiment te prendre au sérieux. Tu étais le premier à faire le clown si naturellement même après avoir animé une discussion passionnante et de haut niveau sur n'importe quel sujet. Toujours prêt à faire du sport, à cuisiner, à aider, tu avais une boulimie de la vie, un amour pour le présent ici et maintenant. Même dans les derniers jours, tu t'émerveillais encore de la beauté de la vue de ta chambre à coucher. Tu nous laisses de merveilleux souvenirs et ça, rien ne pourra nous les prendre. Toutes mes pensées à Juliette et Zoé ainsi qu'à Claude qui t'a si admirablement accompagnée dans les moments heureux et les moments plus difficiles. Je suis sûre que tu as déjà créé un groupe de discussion là-haut tout en les régalant de tes crêpes et ton Mac and Cheese légendaires, Laurence
October 31, 2025
Dear Stephane
I learned to know you through your engagement for Open Science; the EUA Expert Group and your contribution to the CoARA movement. Your impact for EUA members, including Norway, in these matters, cannot be underestimated. So likable and so knowledgeable.
Thank you
I learned to know you through your engagement for Open Science; the EUA Expert Group and your contribution to the CoARA movement. Your impact for EUA members, including Norway, in these matters, cannot be underestimated. So likable and so knowledgeable.
Thank you
October 31, 2025
I met Stephane during my first days at EUA. When the office felt almost deserted in the quiet of early August, he was among the first to welcome me. We shared a few lunches together and I immediately loved his good sense of humour and was impressed by his knowledge of so many countries and cultures. He was a kind person and had his unique way of making people feel instantly comfortable around him.
What struck me was how positive and cheerful he remained, even in the toughest moments. He truly embodied courage.
Stephane, even if it was for a short time, it has been a genuine honour to work with you. We will all miss you deeply. My thoughts are with your loved ones.
Eléonore
What struck me was how positive and cheerful he remained, even in the toughest moments. He truly embodied courage.
Stephane, even if it was for a short time, it has been a genuine honour to work with you. We will all miss you deeply. My thoughts are with your loved ones.
Eléonore
October 31, 2025
It is with deep sadness and disbelief that I say goodbye to my dear friend and colleague, Stéphane Berghmans.
Working alongside him as a University of Siegen and Germany representative at the European University Association (EUA) was not just a privilege — it was a joy. Stéphane brought warmth, intellect, and genuine humanity into every room he entered. He had an exceptional gift for connecting people, for turning complex challenges into shared missions, and for reminding us why we do what we do: to make knowledge and collaboration a force for good. Good bye dear friend.
Working alongside him as a University of Siegen and Germany representative at the European University Association (EUA) was not just a privilege — it was a joy. Stéphane brought warmth, intellect, and genuine humanity into every room he entered. He had an exceptional gift for connecting people, for turning complex challenges into shared missions, and for reminding us why we do what we do: to make knowledge and collaboration a force for good. Good bye dear friend.
October 30, 2025
Stephane will be remembered for his kindness, his brilliant mind, and his profoundly humanistic spirit. He brought together curiosity and intellect with empathy and warmth, seeing both work and life through a lens of wonder and compassion.
This past summer in Alicante, he found special joy in the beauty of nature, in the sea, the light, and the calm of the Levantine sunsets he loved so much.
To me, and to all who knew him, Stephane will remain a model of intelligence, generosity, and deep humanity. I feel truly fortunate to have been his colleague and friend, and I thank him for all that he shared with us. His legacy will always stay in our hearts.
My deepest condolences go to Claude and his daughters; my thoughts are with them in this time of great sorrow.
This past summer in Alicante, he found special joy in the beauty of nature, in the sea, the light, and the calm of the Levantine sunsets he loved so much.
To me, and to all who knew him, Stephane will remain a model of intelligence, generosity, and deep humanity. I feel truly fortunate to have been his colleague and friend, and I thank him for all that he shared with us. His legacy will always stay in our hearts.
My deepest condolences go to Claude and his daughters; my thoughts are with them in this time of great sorrow.
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane
I am incredibly sad to hear that we will not be able to meet again in November as we planned, not even in this life. I will truly be missing you, your inspiring attitude, your sense of humour and your generosity. It was an honour to meet you and to work together with you in RISG. Rest in peace. Yours, Sebastian
My heartfelt condolences to Stéphane’s family and all those who loved him.
I am incredibly sad to hear that we will not be able to meet again in November as we planned, not even in this life. I will truly be missing you, your inspiring attitude, your sense of humour and your generosity. It was an honour to meet you and to work together with you in RISG. Rest in peace. Yours, Sebastian
My heartfelt condolences to Stéphane’s family and all those who loved him.
October 30, 2025
I had the good fortune to work with Stephane in the Council for Doctoral Education, and I was able to appreciate his fantastic human qualities. In an environment of such great value and professionalism as the EUA staff, Stephane always knew how to convey enthusiasm and a joie de vivre. It makes one reflect on how in the end, this simple friendship, this passion for everything authentically human, is the most important thing that remains of us. Thank you, Stephane!
My deepest condolences to his family for this immense loss.
My deepest condolences to his family for this immense loss.
October 30, 2025
It is indeed hard to even understand that Stephane is no longer among us, so full of sparkling life and contagious energy as he was. For me, it was a true privilege to work with him, particularly in the RISG and its task-and-finish group for the next EU framework programme. As chair of that group, I always felt that he was at least two steps ahead of all of us, and this was both challenging and encouraging – I think it made us all try to do our very best to contribute in the working process. I am deeply grateful to Stephane for his presence, for his commitment, for his great inspiration. He will be sorely missed.
With my deepest condolences, both to his closest family and to his "working family" at EUA and elsewhere.
Astrid Söderbergh Widding
With my deepest condolences, both to his closest family and to his "working family" at EUA and elsewhere.
Astrid Söderbergh Widding
October 30, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Stephane’s family and everyone who loved him. I hope you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched, and how warmly he will be remembered. His legacy lives on in the people he supported, believed in, and encouraged — myself included.
With warm remembrance, Lenka
With warm remembrance, Lenka
October 30, 2025
Dear Stephane,
It’s hard to say goodbye. You brought such passion and conviction to everything you did — especially your work on the European Research Area, which you cared for so deeply. Your dedication to building a stronger, more connected Europe was truly inspiring, and your voice always carried both insight and purpose.
But what I will remember most is you — your openness, your kindness, and the way you always made time for others. You had a genuine interest in people, and your warmth and humour made every discussion, no matter how complex, feel human and full of possibility.
You created connections not just between ideas, but between people. That’s a rare gift, and one that will continue to live on in the many lives you touched.
Thank you, Stephane — for your friendship, your generosity, and the light you brought to all of us. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
It’s hard to say goodbye. You brought such passion and conviction to everything you did — especially your work on the European Research Area, which you cared for so deeply. Your dedication to building a stronger, more connected Europe was truly inspiring, and your voice always carried both insight and purpose.
But what I will remember most is you — your openness, your kindness, and the way you always made time for others. You had a genuine interest in people, and your warmth and humour made every discussion, no matter how complex, feel human and full of possibility.
You created connections not just between ideas, but between people. That’s a rare gift, and one that will continue to live on in the many lives you touched.
Thank you, Stephane — for your friendship, your generosity, and the light you brought to all of us. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane, it is hard to express in words how you enriched our shared moments at the EUA-CDE steering committee meetings and events - with intellectual brilliance, commitment, humor, and an always positive mood. Thank you for all that. You are gone now, but you'll be always present in our hearts and thoughts.
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
I got to know you as a colleague in the open science galaxy. Over time, you became a supportive friend, someone with whom I could share sharp analytical discussions, always mixed with joyful humor. I appreciated your rare ability to embrace life as a journey of discovery, guided solely by curiosity and kindness. These human traits made you such a fun and inspiring person to share both professional and personal moments with! I am currently in Wisconsin-Madison, thanks to your kind recommendation. I am super grateful that you took the time to provide it, even while already facing the early stages of this harrowing last journey you had to go through. I remember with fondness the last time we met over a joyous family dinner with Claude and her sons, sharing good wine, quiches, and maple syrup cheesecake. I wish you were still there to follow my extraordinary American journey of the moment and rejoice with me in poetic landscapes, beautiful pictures I was looking forward to sharing with you, fun situations, and academic accomplishments. My heart goes to your loved ones, especially Claude, who was such a pillar of support to you in these last months, and your daughters. I know they must miss you terribly. We all will miss you, Stéphane, as the extraordinary person you were.
I got to know you as a colleague in the open science galaxy. Over time, you became a supportive friend, someone with whom I could share sharp analytical discussions, always mixed with joyful humor. I appreciated your rare ability to embrace life as a journey of discovery, guided solely by curiosity and kindness. These human traits made you such a fun and inspiring person to share both professional and personal moments with! I am currently in Wisconsin-Madison, thanks to your kind recommendation. I am super grateful that you took the time to provide it, even while already facing the early stages of this harrowing last journey you had to go through. I remember with fondness the last time we met over a joyous family dinner with Claude and her sons, sharing good wine, quiches, and maple syrup cheesecake. I wish you were still there to follow my extraordinary American journey of the moment and rejoice with me in poetic landscapes, beautiful pictures I was looking forward to sharing with you, fun situations, and academic accomplishments. My heart goes to your loved ones, especially Claude, who was such a pillar of support to you in these last months, and your daughters. I know they must miss you terribly. We all will miss you, Stéphane, as the extraordinary person you were.
October 30, 2025
I met Stephane many years ago when I was still in Brussels as an EC trainee. We then worked together on Open Science at Elsevier and besides being my supervisor for some time, he also became also a mentor and a friend. I will always remember him as a warm-hearted and genuinely caring person, who'd always support and listen. I am truly grateful for all the things I learnt from him during the years we worked together. He was a great leadership personality that empowered others and made sure that people were seen and felt they belonged. Stephane, you will be dearly missed and even more dearly remembered. My condolences and wishes are with his family and friends.
October 30, 2025
I was deeply affected by the news of Stephane's death. I remember all the meetings with him very well, as well as the nice conversations we had. We will all miss him very much. My thoughts are with Stéphane and his relatives, as well as all his friends, who have lost a very good friend and colleague.
October 30, 2025
The passing of Stéphane is very sad. Stéphane leaves a lasting impact on the European research community and the European Research Area, with his collaborative spirit, and on me, being an incredibly attentive, supportive and kind person. It was a great pleasure to work with Stéphane, and I will carry his memory with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Stéphane. My sincere condoleances to Stéphanes family, friends and colleagues.
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
your positive energy, humour and open spirit will be deeply missed - and warmly remembered.
We had the privilege of working with you for many years and have always deeply valued your expertise and passion.
Wishing much strength to your loved ones. May the beautiful memories bring comfort.
Elisabeth & Robert-Jan Smits
your positive energy, humour and open spirit will be deeply missed - and warmly remembered.
We had the privilege of working with you for many years and have always deeply valued your expertise and passion.
Wishing much strength to your loved ones. May the beautiful memories bring comfort.
Elisabeth & Robert-Jan Smits
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane, thank you for sharing with us your kindness, respect, friendship, and wonderful sense of humor. Your presence at every EUA-CDE Board meeting was an inspiration to us all. We miss you deeply.
October 30, 2025
I haven' known Stephane personally, but I heard and knew about here. If you are active in Brussels, the city becomes relatively small after all. On behalf of the Slovenian Business and Research Association (SBRA) from Brussels I express condolences to her family and her closest friends. We are altogether a very special community and it is the correct way to know about each other and to pay respect to each other especially in the situations like this one.
SBRA President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Draško Veselinovič
SBRA President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Draško Veselinovič
October 30, 2025
Farewell, Stephane.
For me, you were first the voice of universities: a passionate advocate who spoke with conviction, kindness, and a sense of purpose in shaping EU research and innovation. From the moment we met, I admired your clarity of thought and the way you brought people together. You believed in the value of knowledge, in the power of science and education to make society better, and you worked tirelessly to ensure that these values were reflected in European policy. Your influence on the reform of EU R&I governance was decisive and you made sure that universities and other stakeholders have a place at the table. You believed in unity, collaboration, and the power of shared voices.
Over time, you became much more to me than a professional contact, you became a dear friend. You introduced me to Belgian culture and history with such enthusiasm, and our shared love of Belgian beer became the perfect excuse for many wonderful conversations. You also passed on your passion for biking, something that will always remind me of you and your energy for life.
I wish I had met you earlier and shared more years, more rides, and more laughter together. You will be remembered not only for what you achieved, but for who you were: warm, generous, and full of life.
Ride on, my friend. I'll miss you very much.
For me, you were first the voice of universities: a passionate advocate who spoke with conviction, kindness, and a sense of purpose in shaping EU research and innovation. From the moment we met, I admired your clarity of thought and the way you brought people together. You believed in the value of knowledge, in the power of science and education to make society better, and you worked tirelessly to ensure that these values were reflected in European policy. Your influence on the reform of EU R&I governance was decisive and you made sure that universities and other stakeholders have a place at the table. You believed in unity, collaboration, and the power of shared voices.
Over time, you became much more to me than a professional contact, you became a dear friend. You introduced me to Belgian culture and history with such enthusiasm, and our shared love of Belgian beer became the perfect excuse for many wonderful conversations. You also passed on your passion for biking, something that will always remind me of you and your energy for life.
I wish I had met you earlier and shared more years, more rides, and more laughter together. You will be remembered not only for what you achieved, but for who you were: warm, generous, and full of life.
Ride on, my friend. I'll miss you very much.
October 30, 2025
A loss, a shock, many memories from Stephane Eurocience time; his help, positive mind and encouragements were really important when I became the champion of ESOF 2018 in Toulouse. It was during this event preparatory time that I interacted first with him, then as co-board member of EuroScience and in several meetings and circumstances after his joining EUA, sometimes also during my stays in Brussels as EGE member. Rich exchanges, it was always a source of inspiration; his claivovyance, constructive solutions, friendship and dedication to the causes of science, Europe and a peaceful world will remain as a gift of life. Happy that our life trajectories crossed each other and very sad it has to be so soon a period of the past. Remembering him always is the best thing I can offer to his beloved ones after this loss. To them all my thoughts to accompany him in his last journey.
October 30, 2025
Dear Stephane - Having had the privilege to work with you in your times with Elsevier, ESOF/Euroscience and the EUA I was always grateful for your deep knowledge, strategic vision and wise advice as well as your kind personality. You will be sorely missed by all of us in the European research and innovation policy communities. Deep condolences to your family and many friends.
October 30, 2025
Cher Stephane,
Même si nos chemins se sont croisés peu de temps, je garde en mémoire ta bonne humeur et des discussions passionnantes. Mes pensées accompagnent ta famille et tes proches.
Oumy
Même si nos chemins se sont croisés peu de temps, je garde en mémoire ta bonne humeur et des discussions passionnantes. Mes pensées accompagnent ta famille et tes proches.
Oumy
October 30, 2025
Dear Stéphane,
In a very short time, I learned so much from you. Thank you for filling EUA with your warmth. I will always remember your enthusiasm, energy and positive mindset. My condolences to your family.
Rest in peace, Stéphane.
In a very short time, I learned so much from you. Thank you for filling EUA with your warmth. I will always remember your enthusiasm, energy and positive mindset. My condolences to your family.
Rest in peace, Stéphane.
October 30, 2025
Cher Stéphane,
It has been a true honour and pleasure to work with you. I admired your professionalism, commitment and values. You brought a lot to the EUA but also to the whole university sector. We are all immensely grateful to you and we miss you a lot.
Thank you for being so friendly. I will remember your smiling greetings when we met in social events. Also thank you for helping me grow in my careers: I have learned also by looking at you!
On behalf of The Guild, all my condolences to your family, friends, colleagues and beloved ones!
It has been a true honour and pleasure to work with you. I admired your professionalism, commitment and values. You brought a lot to the EUA but also to the whole university sector. We are all immensely grateful to you and we miss you a lot.
Thank you for being so friendly. I will remember your smiling greetings when we met in social events. Also thank you for helping me grow in my careers: I have learned also by looking at you!
On behalf of The Guild, all my condolences to your family, friends, colleagues and beloved ones!
October 30, 2025
I had the honour and pleasure of working in Stephane's team at EUA in 2022-2023.
His truly uniquely positive attitude always had an impact on everyone in the room, a great team leader and mentor, who continued being extremely supportive even after we were no longer colleagues. The entire community has lost a great mind, a wonderful colleague and someone who always made you feel like you're a friend.
All my thoughts to his family and close friends
His truly uniquely positive attitude always had an impact on everyone in the room, a great team leader and mentor, who continued being extremely supportive even after we were no longer colleagues. The entire community has lost a great mind, a wonderful colleague and someone who always made you feel like you're a friend.
All my thoughts to his family and close friends
October 30, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Stéphane's family and friends for their loss.
Stéphane was an excellent and ideal colleague who was not only highly competent but was thoughtful, kind and caring, which made him an amazing person to work with.
I feel priviledged to have known him and worked with him in EUA.
May his soul rest in peace and may his family have the courage to go through this difficult time.
Kindest regards,
Prof. Lokesh Joshi
Universsity of Galway
Stéphane was an excellent and ideal colleague who was not only highly competent but was thoughtful, kind and caring, which made him an amazing person to work with.
I feel priviledged to have known him and worked with him in EUA.
May his soul rest in peace and may his family have the courage to go through this difficult time.
Kindest regards,
Prof. Lokesh Joshi
Universsity of Galway
Service
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Stephane. While we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Crematorium d'Uccle
Avenue du Silence 61
1180 Uccle
Belgium
Avenue du Silence 61
1180 Uccle
Belgium
Friday 31 October 2025, 14:00 CET
Virtual event
The service can also be followed online. Those who wish to attend remotely may request access credentials by contacting research@eua.eu
Donate
In memory of Stephane, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was deeply meaningful to him. Donations can be made to the KU Leuven ALS Fund Alain Verspecht (ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Professor Philip Van Damme, who treated Stephane at the university hospital UZ Leuven, manages this fund. By supporting this cause, you help bring hope for future progress in the fight against ALS.
Detailed information on how to contribute is available here:
https://giving.kuleuven.be/funds/als-fund-alain-verspecht
Detailed information on how to contribute is available here:
https://giving.kuleuven.be/funds/als-fund-alain-verspecht
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