Dear All, Contributors, and Colleagues,
It is with profound sadness that I share the tragic news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Zoltán Fekete.
Zoltán lost his life on December 23, 2024, at the age of 40, during a mountaineering trip amid extreme winds and snowstorms. His sudden passing leaves a deep void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and the scientific community.
Zoltán was admired for his brilliance, honesty, and boundless generosity. As a colleague and group leader, he genuinely cared for those around him and was always ready to lend a hand. He was also a devoted father with a wonderful sense of humor and a tireless drive to build a meaningful life.
A passionate outdoorsman, Zoltán loved hiking, biking, and mountaineering, often sharing these adventures with his wife and two children. He founded a hiking club to inspire young people to explore nature and cherished the moments he spent outdoors with his family and friends. Tragically, the mountains he loved so much claimed his life.
Academically, Zoltán graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at BME in 2009 and earned his PhD in 2013. He spent a year at the University of Freiburg on an Alexander von Humboldt scholarship before leading the Research Group for Implantable Microsystems at PPKE ITK from 2017. As a dedicated mentor, he guided nearly 30 theses and 4 doctoral students to successful completion.
Zoltán’s contributions to science earned him numerous honors and awards. As an active member of the Academy of Young Researchers, he was passionate about educating the next generation, building his research team with care and vision. In November, he was appointed professor at Pázmány Péter University, a significant milestone in his career. He spoke enthusiastically about the future and his many plans, unaware of how little time remained.
Zoltán’s loss is immeasurable. He lived life with passion and purpose, striving toward ambitious goals while embracing the present. We will always remember his kindness, generosity, and inspiring presence.
Though this tragedy will take time to process, Zoltán’s memory will remain with us. May we honor him by continuing his spirit of curiosity, generosity, and love for life.
With deepest sympathy,
The Members of the Research Group for Implantable Microsystems