Riccardo Pederzoli, former EMBL Hamburg predoctoral fellow, passed away on Sunday 28 June 2026 at the age of 34.
It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Riccardo Pederzoli on 28 June 2026, at the age of 34.
Riccardo was an EMBL predoctoral fellow between 2015 and 2019, working in Thomas Schneider’s group at EMBL Hamburg.
Riccardo will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions, but also for his remarkable intelligence, integrity, generosity, and kindness, which characterised him both as a scientist and as a person.
Our thoughts are with Riccardo’s family and loved ones. We hope they may find some comfort in knowing how deeply he was respected, appreciated, and loved by the many colleagues and friends who had the privilege of knowing him during his years at EMBL and beyond.
Vivian Pogenberg, former EMBL Hamburg Research Scientist, 2005-2018
“For many of us, Riccardo was more than a colleague: he was part of the shared experience of being young researchers living far from home, navigating science, friendship, and life together in an international community.
For us he was a dear and loyal friend. He had a quiet warmth that made others feel welcome and valued. Whether through long conversations, shared meals, coffees or everyday moments in the lab, he has been part of our lives for the years he spent in Hamburg at EMBL and he became the friend we met any time we could and in any occasion we could create.
We miss him very much and we will never forget his smile, his kindness and all the moments spent together during the past 11 years.
We had the privilege to walk a short part of our lives with him but the memories he left will stay with us forever. Per sempre nei nostri cuori!”
Barbara Tizzano, former EMBL Hamburg postdoc, 2007-12 and Vivian Pogenberg.
“Dear Riccardo,
I remember our encounters at the EMBL Hamburg coffee club, our lively conversations over lunch in the kitchen, and all the small moments that were part of everyday life at EMBL.
What I will remember most about you is your kindness. You had a genuine curiosity about people and always took the time to listen. You were generous with your time and attention. Even years after we last met, when I reached out to you again, you responded with the same warmth and generosity I remembered from Hamburg.
It is deeply sad to know that you are gone, but I am grateful to have known you. You will be remembered with affection and respect. May you rest in peace.”
Anne-Sophie Huart, former EMBL Hamburg postdoc, 2014-2018
Condolences
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