With deep sadness, the ESR announces the passing of Prof. Willi Kalender on October 20, 2024 at the age of 75. A pioneering figure in diagnostic imaging and medical physics, Prof. Kalender significantly influenced the field through his groundbreaking research and leadership.
Dedicating his career to advancing diagnostic radiology, particularly in CT imaging technology, Prof. Kalender began his studies in physics and mathematics at the University of Bonn, completed his master’s and Ph.D. in medical physics at the University of Wisconsin, and achieving his Habilitation at the University of Tübingen in 1988.
He worked in Siemens Medical Systems’ research labs from 1979, leading the Medical Physics group from 1988. In 1995, he became the founding professor of the Institute of Medical Physics at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg and was later named a distinguished visiting professor at Stanford. His innovations—like spiral CT and advanced dose reduction techniques—transformed imaging quality and safety. His later work on breast-CT technology further underscored his commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy.
Notably, Prof. Kalender served as the Section Editor of European Radiology’s Physics section until 2010, contributing his expertise to advancing radiological sciences. He was an Honorary Lecturer at ECR 2002 and was awarded ESR Honorary Membership in 2010. His impact on medical imaging will be remembered by colleagues and students alike, leaving a lasting legacy in radiology and beyond.