In memoriam Richard Neutze

Professor Richard Neutze received his PhD in physics from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 1995. During his time as a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, he was introduced by Janos Hajdu to molecular biophysics, a field that would shape his future career. His scientific journey then took him to Germany and subsequently to Sweden. At Uppsala University, he built his own research group with support from the Swedish Research Council. He later continued his research at Chalmers University of Technology before being appointed Professor at the University of Gothenburg in 2006. There, he established the research unit Biochemistry and Structural Biology, creating a vibrant environment that over the years included fifteen independent group leaders and provided training for more than a hundred PhD students. 

Richard’s scientific drive was to understand the chemistry of life. He pioneered work in time-resolved X-ray crystallography and presented the concept of “diffraction-before-destruction”, demonstrating theoretically that ultrafast X-ray pulses could record data before radiation damage destroyed the sample. His work was fundamental to establishing serial femtosecond crystallography as a transformative method for studying proteins at room temperature and in action. As an internationally recognized leader, he connected researchers across an extensive network that enabled the field to transition from describing static states toward recording molecular movies of cellular machines at work. A key contribution to our understanding of biology was his elucidation of the structure and function of highly challenging membrane-bound proteins involved in transport and bioenergetics. Richard was a true visionary whose scientific legacy reshaped our perception of protein structure.

Richard received numerous prestigious grants and prizes, including the European Research Council Advanced Grant, multiple grants from the Wallenberg foundation and the Göran Gustafsson Prize. He was also recognised as one of the very few Distinguished Professors by the Swedish Research Council. He was not only an inspiring scientific leader but also an engaged and generous mentor who actively supported young and early-career researchers, committed to strengthening gender balance and inclusion in academia.

Beyond his own research, Richard played a critical role in strengthening life science in Sweden. He contributed to the Swedish synchrotron MAX IV by securing funding and through his role on the MAX IV board. At the University of Gothenburg, he was highly engaged in the development of the department and created a strong life science environment. From 2015 to 2018, he served as Deputy Head of Department. 

Richard will be remembered for his enthusiasm, curiosity and generosity, as well as his steady and reassuring presence and characteristic warm smile. He will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends and collaborators around the world.

Messages of condolence can be sent to the family via Richard Neutze Kudoboard.