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 didn’t know Jan too well, but I do know that he was an amazing person, a loving husband, and a great dad. He was always talking about the history of communication, different theories, and schools with such a passion that I always wanted to visit his classes. I was shocked by how much he loved what he was doing, and it motivated me to study harder. I believe that every professor has to learn it from him.
But what made Jan even better was that he was talking about his wife and kids a lot. And every time, he was doing it with such passion and love in his eyes. That were such cute and special moments that I loved the most at his lectures.
It is unfortunate that we have to lose such great people. But I am very glad that I knew him and got an opportunity to learn from him, as thousands of other students, colleagues, and friends did. He deserves to be loved and remembered.
I wish his family all the best and stay strong during difficult times. That is what he would like for them.
My deepest condolences. RIP Prof. Jan Loisen.