Rest in peace, Jan
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing away of Prof Jan Loisen. Jan died of cardiac arrest on 6 March 2023. He leaves behind his wife, Prof Karen Donders, and his two children. We are deeply affected by the sudden death of Jan, who left a great impression on us all. We cherish all fond memories and strongly sympathise with the family, friends and acquaintances.
Jan joined the Department of Communication Studies in 2001 as teaching assistant. He was a highly dedicated and warm colleague with a heart for his students. After finishing his PhD in 2009 on the Audiovisual Policy of the WTO, under the supervision of Caroline Pauwels, he became assistant professor at the Communication department in 2011. Since then, Jan has been a committed and loyal colleague with a focus on curriculum design, teaching and research. With a passion for research on communication theory, on European and international audiovisual policy, Jan contributed to the scientific field. He guided multiple PhDs in these topics. Highly dedicated in his teaching, he initiated thousands of students in communication studies through his Introduction in Communication Studies.
Jan was instrumental in developing the Erasmus Mundus Master on Digital Communication Leadership with Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Aalborg University and Wageningen University. He guided the department through multiple visitation and evaluation procedures with great success. Without any doubt Jan contributed to the DNA of our department. He will be dearly missed by all.
In this page, you can leave a condolence message or a fond memory of Jan.
Neither flowers nor wreaths. Jan’s family prefers a gift to the Caroline Pauwels Emergency fund for students: BE51 0013 6779 3562 (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, ‘GIFT FO7’).
I am deeply saddened to hear, albeit far too late, of Professor Loisen's passing. I am stunned by the tragic loss that has affected his family, colleagues, students and the entire VUB community.
I am very grateful to Professor Loisen for being my supervisor during my master's thesis in 2015-2016. His comments were always relevant and his expertise and availability were very much appreciated. They were essential to achieving the best possible piece of work. His encouragement and congratulations, as well as those of Caroline Pauwels, reader of my thesis, will always be remembered. They both truly helped me to gain confidence in my future jobs and personal achievements.
I would like to express my sincerest thoughts to my cherished and unforgettable professor, Karen Donders, and their two children.
He is deeply missed.