In 1971, after the defense of his dissertation entitled 'Pyrrolidone analogues of Nucleosides and Nucleotides', with professors Huisman and Pandit as his promotors, Gerrit Jan worked as an assistant professor and later as an associate professor. In 1992 he was appointed professor by special appointment within the framework of the Society for the Promotion of Physics, Medicine and Surgery, researching the bio-organic chemistry of chemotherapeutics. The title of his oration, given on 19 October 1992, was (as translated from Dutch) 'Limits in jeopardy'. His appointment as full professor followed in 1995.

Molecular mechanisms of cancer

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer for the rational design of cytostatics has always been the guiding principle in Gerrit Jan's research. Many of his PhD students were funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). In addition, he was very interested in the synthesis of biologically active natural compounds. At the end of his career, he frequently expressed his serious concerns about the emergence of resistant pathogenic bacteria and the limited interest of the pharmaceutical industry in the development of new antibiotics.

Gerrit Jan’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching made him very popular with the students of chemistry and other life sciences. In addition to being a scientist and lecturer, he was active within the UvA in various positions, both at faculty level and within the department of Organic Chemistry. He has also been active within the Organic Chemistry section of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society KNCV and various SON working communities. Internationally, he was mainly active in the Organic Chemistry division of IUPAC. These extensive activities demonstrate Gerrit Jan’s community spirit, which was rewarded with a Royal honour after his valedictory lecture in 2006 entitled 'To live with the chemistry of life'.

Down-to-earth humor

Gerrit Jan was an accessible person, always good-tempered, and his characteristic down-to-earth humor was never far away. Gerrit Jan was a 'Zaankanter' in heart and soul, and he was incredibly proud of his roots in the Zaan district, just north of Amsterdam. A few years ago it became clear that his sharp mind was abandoning him, and on his last visit to Science Park with his high school friends he kept getting lost. In recent years, his world quickly became smaller and his wife Nelly provided 'round-the-clock care. Besides Nelly, Gerrit Jan leaves behind two daughters and four grandchildren.

Prof. Jan H. van Maarseveen