Jochen Buschmann, PhD (1956-2021)
7.8.21
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, Jochen Buschmann, PhD. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jochen’s family. We offer them our condolences.
Dr. Buschmann was an active member of the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety, having joined in May 2016. His expertise in reproductive toxicology, his thoughtful approach, and his generosity of spirit helped nurture a culture of collaboration and innovation guided by the highest scientific and ethical standards.
(The Expert Panel is an independent, international team of researchers and academics with no ties to the fragrance industry. The Panel reviews and must approve all of RIFM’s research and safety assessment work.)
“Having worked closely with Jochen professionally and personally, I would like to thank him for his contribution in guiding and mentoring me in reproductive toxicology,” said Kaushal Joshi, PhD, Senior Scientist, Reproductive Toxicology at RIFM. “He was always ready to be on call to provide his insights, even during the last few months when his illness was progressing. As a happy, kind, and knowledgeable person, Jochen’s absence will be felt profoundly by all of us.”
“Jochen’s kindness and approachable nature, coupled with his enthusiasm to share his unmatched expertise in reproductive toxicology, made him an integral member of the Expert Panel and a pleasure to spend time with and to learn from,” recalled Dan Selechnik, PhD, Senior Associate Scientist, Repeated Dose Toxicology at RIFM.
“The Safety Assessment team will continue to strive to provide excellence through our assessments that honor everything Jochen has taught us,” elaborated RIFM’s Safety Assessment manager, Danielle Botelho, PhD. “His work and influence lives on now through our team of collaborators and colleagues. It has been an incredible honor to have learned from him.”
RIFM Vice President Anne Marie Api, PhD, echoed Drs. Joshi, Selechnik, and Botelho’s sentiments regarding Dr. Buschmann’s warmth and generosity. “Jochen was an outstanding and knowledgeable expert in reproductive toxicology,” Dr. Api said. “However, he was much more than an outstanding toxicologist. He will be remembered as a warm and caring friend and a dedicated mentor who always gave his time, advice, and knowledge. All of RIFM will miss him.”
Read more about Dr. Buschmann’s contribution to the science supporting fragrance safety on the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety’s website.