KompetenzNetzwerk Immobilisationsbedingte MuskelStörungen

It is with great dismay and deep sadness that we bid farewell to Prof. Dr Jörn Rittweger, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 21 April 2025 at the age of 63.

Jörn Rittweger had headed the Department of Space Physiology, now Muscle and Bone Metabolism, at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) since 2009. He shaped the scientific work of his department in a unique way - with extraordinary expertise, visionary thinking and a tireless commitment to research and teaching. For his research into the mechanics of muscle and bone, he used the special engineering expertise within the Institute and DLR. He also had a lasting influence on the institute with his expertise, his passion for space physiology and his level-headed manner.

Jörn Rittweger was an internationally recognised expert on the physiological effects of mechanical vibrations and a pioneer in the development of this method for preventive and rehabilitative applications in medicine and sport. In his research on the development and trainability of the musculoskeletal system from early childhood to old age and from patients to top athletes, he always bridged the gap between basic research and clinical application. Under his leadership, numerous experiments - including eight on the International Space Station ISS, three of them as Principal Investigator - were initiated and realised. The integration of space medicine into broad-based physiological and clinical research resulted in numerous reciprocal findings and applications.

In addition, Jörn Rittweger held a professorship at the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the University of Cologne and was highly committed to training future scientists and doctors in the field of human physiology. He was a member of numerous scientific societies and international committees, held a patent and has published over 200 articles. As the organiser of the immobilisation-related muscle disorders competence network (KNIMS) and the Human Physiology Workshop, he also actively promoted interdisciplinary exchange and young scientists.

Jörn Rittweger was not only an outstanding scientist, but also a valued colleague, mentor and friend. We will greatly miss his calm, reflective manner, his curiosity and his humour. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and all those who were personally and professionally connected to him.

With his passing, science has lost one of its most important voices in the field of space and movement physiology. His legacy will live on in numerous projects, publications and the careers of many young scientists.

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