In Deep Sorrow and Profound Gratitude – In Memory of Prof. Dr. Josef Settele
An extraordinary scientist, a visionary mentor and companion, and, above all, a wonderful human being has left us far too soon.
It was with profound shock, disbelief, and immeasurable sorrow that we learned of the sudden and unexpected passing of Professor Dr. Josef Settele. His death on 9 October 2026 leaves a painful void – in the international scientific community, in biodiversity and climate research, and especially among all of us involved in the Bavarian Climate Research Networks bayklif1 and bayklif2.
In Josef Settele, we have lost not only an internationally distinguished scientist whose scientific excellence, exceptional expertise, and remarkable foresight earned recognition far beyond his own field of research. We have also lost a person whose warmth, humility, patience, and extraordinary humanity accompanied, sustained, and profoundly touched us over so many years.
As the long-standing Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Bavarian Climate Research Networks bayklif1 and bayklif2, Josef Settele shaped our work together in ways that extended far beyond his role as a scientific adviser. With tireless dedication, exceptional scientific judgement, and almost boundless patience, he guided, enriched, and played a decisive role in shaping the research conducted within both networks. His remarkable ability to see the bigger picture, to place complex scientific questions in their wider context, and his profound understanding of the interplay between climate change, biodiversity, land use, and societal responsibility were invaluable to us.
Josef Settele was among the world’s most highly respected biodiversity researchers of our time. As Head of the Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), an internationally renowned expert in insect ecology and biodiversity, and one of the three Co-Chairs of the landmark Global Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), he played a pivotal role in shaping scientific and public discourse on the dramatic loss of biodiversity. His contributions to the scientific work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), his many years of commitment to providing scientific advice to policymakers, and his numerous international research collaborations bear testimony to a scientific legacy that transcends individual disciplines and national boundaries.
Among his most significant achievements was his ability to illuminate the profound connections between the conservation of biodiversity, the consequences of climate change, and humanity’s responsibility for safeguarding the natural foundations of life. He firmly believed that scientific knowledge should not merely be generated, but also communicated in accessible terms and translated into meaningful action in society and politics. His outstanding commitment earned him numerous distinctions, including the Heinz Sielmann Honorary Award and the EuroNatur Award.
Yet, however impressive these scientific achievements may be, it is Josef Settele the human being whom we will remember above all.
Despite his international reputation and his many commitments, he approached everyone with the same genuine openness, kindness, and respect. He made time for others, listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, offered encouragement, and provided reassurance and guidance even in difficult circumstances. His extraordinary gift for bringing people together, bridging different scientific perspectives, and inspiring others to pursue shared goals made him a truly exceptional individual.
He never felt the need to assert his scientific authority. His expertise, composure, reliability, and humanity spoke for themselves. He led not through distance, but through personal connection and trust. He persuaded not by raising his voice, but through the strength of his arguments, his scientific integrity, and his respectful treatment of others. Even when opinions differed, he remained a patient listener, a fair-minded mediator, and someone who always sought common ground.
It was precisely this rare combination of scientific excellence and human warmth that left such a profound impression on us all.
For the researchers of both climate research networks, for the staff of our coordinating office, and for his fellow members of the Scientific Advisory Board, Josef Settele was far more than an outstanding scientific adviser. He was a trusted companion, a wise counsellor, a source of encouragement, and an example to us all. His support gave us confidence, his insights opened up new perspectives, and his enthusiasm for science was a constant source of inspiration.
He not only enriched our research but also profoundly shaped the spirit of collaboration and community within our networks. Through his own example, he demonstrated that outstanding scientific achievement, mutual respect, and genuine humanity can be inseparably intertwined. In doing so, he established standards that will endure long beyond the lifetime of our research networks.
It is still almost impossible for us to comprehend that we must now carry on without his thoughtful insights, his scientific foresight, his calm and considered manner, and, above all, his human warmth.
It is extraordinarily difficult for us to imagine that he will no longer be present at our conversations and meetings, that we will no longer hear his familiar voice and encouraging words, see his kind smile, or experience his unfailing attentiveness to others. That we will no longer be able to seek his advice, exchange ideas with him, or share in his joy at new scientific discoveries.
His sudden death has shaken us to the core. It leaves a void that cannot be filled – either scientifically or personally.
And yet, amid all our grief, we are left with a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the many years of collaboration built on mutual trust, for his unwavering support, and for the countless valuable conversations and scientific insights he shared with us. Above all, we are grateful for the privilege of having known such an extraordinary person and of having walked part of life’s journey alongside him.
Josef Settele leaves a legacy that reaches far beyond his scientific publications, his international achievements, and his contributions to research. His influence lives on in the thoughts, actions, and hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. That legacy will endure.
During these difficult days, our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, his friends, and everyone who was close to him. We extend to them our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We sincerely wish them strength, comfort, and the support of one another at a time of sorrow for which words can scarcely offer consolation.