In memoriam: Ivonne Rietjens

Ivonne was an inspirational chair of the Toxicology department for almost 25 years, and she leaves an important legacy, not only scientifically but also personally. She has guided many of us through important steps in our careers, for which we are grateful. She has supervised almost 100 PhD students to a successful defense, which illustrates her drive to educate people and even more so her passion for research. In her work, Ivonne was extremely efficient and focused on results. This was a side of her which was well known to people. Perhaps less obvious is the fact that she was always very helpful to students and colleagues. For instance, with her own foundation "Onderzoek en Innovatie in de Toxicologie", she often supported PhD-students who were in need for housing or otherwise.

Ivonne truly embodied Wageningen. As a Wageningen alumna who also completed her PhD here, she spent almost her entire career at the university, first at the Department of Biochemistry and then as the chair of the Toxicology Division. She chaired numerous BACs, many AFSG Tenure Track candidates received her critical yet always constructive and supportive advice, and served on the academic board. Ivonne had a big heart for people,

and it seemed that everybody knew her, from the beadle to the rector, from the supporting AFSG staff to students. Whenever there was something to celebrate, Ivonne made sure that the HELIX reception staff and the facilities team at Toxicology received their well-deserved share of the treats.

Ivonne was also renowned beyond Wageningen. Her scientific standing is illustrated by her membership in the Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen (KNAW) and by the 2024 Merit Award she received from the Federation of European Toxicologists & European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX) in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the field of toxicology. Ivonne was of the strong opinion that science should have impact, and she was successful in collaborating with industrial partners, always focusing on academic independence. She was member of the board of SKAL-biocontrol, and of different expert panels, including Cellular Agriculture Netherlands and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). Ivonne really put her knowledge to work also outside Wageningen.

The sudden passing of Ivonne’s beloved husband Prof. dr. ir. Jacques Vervoort of the department of Biochemistry, a few years ago, was a profound loss for her. Nevertheless, with her characteristic unfaltering energy and dedication, she continued her work at Toxicology, with an imposing photograph of Jacques on her desk as a constant presence.

With Ivonne, we lose a remarkable person with kaleidoscopic qualities. We will miss her dearly. We wish her sons Kevin and Max, and their budding families, her partner Paul van Helvert, other family members and loved ones, much strength in dealing with this great loss. We hope they find consolation in knowing that Ivonne’s heritage will endure. Through her influential scientific work and the many researchers she trained, who now carry her scientific legacy into laboratories, lecture halls and boardrooms across the world, she will continue to inspire generations to come.

Nico van den Brink and Nynke Kramer, on behalf of the Toxicology department 

If you would like to contact us regarding this news, you can message Nico van den Brink or Nynke Kramer.