
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’).
Jan toch,
Onwezenlijk dit nieuws.
Ik heb je nooit gekend als de professor die je geworden bent, maar wel als student, toen we samen communicatie-wetenschappen studeerden.
Ik kan zeggen dat je één van de stilste maar tevens één van de slimste studenten was. Je had het toen al in je om het ver te schoppen en dat deed je ook. Je was een integer, mooi persoon en je had het met iedereen goed voor.
Ik wens als jouw nabestaanden veel kracht om dit verlies te verwerken.