ISS is sad to share the news that our former rector, Professor Hans Opschoor, passed away on the 4th of May. Professor Opschoor was rector of the International Institute of Social Studies from 1996-2004.
After this period he remained connected to ISS for several more years as a professor of economics and sustainable development. With gratitude and respect, we look back on the inspiring way in which Hans led ISS and the collaboration with ‘the Global South’.
He was approachable, friendly, and clear. A friend to many.
Hans Opschoor had been a prominent figure in environmental and ecological economics since 1971. From 1978 onward he specialized in international aspects of these fields. Before joining ISS he had worked as a researcher in Botswana where he was one of the founders of the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa in 1980. He was also involved in projects in India and China and worked for various universities.
The thoughts of the whole ISS community are with Hans' wife, children and grandchildren at this sad time.
Ruard Ganzevoort, rector of ISS: "Hans was an exceptionally warm and jovial man, a leading scientist, and always very committed to ISS. He made the connection between economic development and the environment very early on, certainly also in the field of development cooperation. In Hans, we lose an enthusiastic and visionary friend of the institute."
