It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Marcus Maurer, a distinguished leader in the fields of dermatology and allergy, on 7 September 2024. Professor Maurer’s body was discovered by Italian mountain rescue teams near Lago Maggiore, after being reported missing following a hike in late July.

Born on 22 May 1966 in Kaufbeuren, Germany, Marcus Maurer was an exceptional scientist and clinician whose contributions to the field of allergy research have left a lasting legacy. He was the Deputy Director of the Institute of Allergology at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, as well as the Co-Director of Immunology and Allergology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP. Over his illustrious career, Professor Maurer focused his work on the understanding of mast cells, urticaria, mastocytosis, pruritus, and angioedema, helping to advance both scientific knowledge and clinical practice.

Educated at the Medical Schools of Mainz and Berlin, Professor Maurer went on to complete postdoctoral research in experimental pathology at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He held board certifications in Dermatology and Allergology and has published over 850 articles in peer-reviewed journals, along with 55 books and book chapters. His scientific curiosity, combined with his passion for investigating new therapeutical options , made him a pivotal figure in allergy research and treatment, impacting the lives of countless individuals around the world.

A key part of Professor Maurer’s legacy is his work with the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network, a renowned collaborative network dedicated to improving the management of allergic diseases globally. Here, he served as Treasurer and was instrumental in driving forward its mission to close the gap between clinical practice and research in allergy and asthma. He was also actively involved in UCARE (Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence) and ACARE (Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence), global networks of leading centers providing high standards of care for patients with urticaria and angioedema, respectively. His leadership in these initiatives helped shape the way these conditions are diagnosed and treated worldwide, providing hope and improved care for thousands of patients.

Marcus Maurer was a visionary in every sense of the word. He had an extraordinary gift for bringing clinicians and scientists from different fields together, creating an environment where collaboration wasn’t just encouraged—it was essential. He understood that breakthroughs in science and medicine come from hearing every voice, especially the voices of patients, and he never lost sight of that. What truly set Marcus apart was his ability to inspire physicians at every stage of their careers. He guided them in conducting meaningful research on mast cell-mediated diseases while teaching them the importance of collaboration and mutual support in both research and treatment. His legacy extends beyond the scientific discoveries he made. He showed us all how to work inclusively and harmoniously, fostering a community of physicians who share a passion for advancing the science of urticaria and angioedema. His impact will continue to shape our work for many years to come.

Our sincere thoughts are with the family he leaves behind and we want them and everybody to know a last personal message:

Dear Marcus, we miss you dearly as a colleague, coworker, and a central part of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network, but most importantly, as an ever-inspiring friend. We know for certain that we are not speaking only for ourselves, but for the entire scientific community. You have left us with a profound legacy, one that we will continue to carry forward. You coined one of the key principles in our work — the “Never give up” attitude. This spirit goes beyond death, and we know that your presence will remain with us in everything we do moving forward.

Your Global Allergy Family

In memory of Marcus Maurer, have opened up a digital book of condolences to give everyone the opportunity to express their grief, memories and sympathy. Together let us collect the beautiful moments, small and big stories with Marcus and the meaning Marcus had for us in this place. We have lost a brilliant person, an excellent teacher, an outstanding scientist and a warm-hearted friend. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who were friends and close to him.

In addition, after careful consideration, we have decided to allocate donations to the “Marcus Maurer Fellowship Program” to establish scholarships and travel grants for young physicians and researchers.