On Friday 3 October, colleagues, collaborators, and friends gathered to honour Professor Rutger Ploeg, founder of the QUOD Biobank, with a Festschrift (literally meaning “celebration writing”), a traditional academic celebration of a scholar’s life and work.
The event featured inspiring talks from esteemed speakers, including Prof Freddie Hamdy, Prof Peter Friend, Prof Maria Kaisar, Dr Cat Boffa, Dr Isabel Quiroga, Prof James Neuberger, Prof Derek Manas, Prof Henri Leuvenink, and Prof Michael Nicholson, who reflected on Prof Ploeg’s exceptional contributions to transplant research, clinical practice, and education.
Prof Ploeg delivered a heartfelt address, tracing his scientific and clinical journey and expressing gratitude to the colleagues and friends who shaped his remarkable career.
The celebration concluded with a dinner and speeches in Exeter College’s magnificent dining hall. The presence of Prof Ploeg’s family lent a particularly warm and personal touch to this memorable celebration.
Sincere thanks go to the Organising Committee — Prof James Hunter, Prof Maria Kaisar, Susan Patchett,andPhilippa Wren — for curating such a fitting and joyful tribute.