Post by Nalin Rastogi

​#InMemoriam #Mycobacteriology #Tuberculosis #GlobalHealth #Mentorship #TuberculosisResearch #ESM #WHO ​🕊️ In Memoriam: Dr. Richard "Urbi" Urbanczik (1931–2026) ​It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Dr. Richard Urbanczik—or "Urbi," as he so warmly preferred to be called—on June 3rd. The global scientific community has lost a true pioneer, and many of us have lost a deeply cherished mentor and friend. ​Born in Prague, Urbi was a giant in the field of mycobacteriology. From earning his MD at Masaryk University to serving as a Professor at Heidelberg University and leading research at the Fatol pharmaceutical company, his academic and scientific footprint was immense. As a founding member of the German Working Group on Mycobacteria and a global laboratory expert for both the WHO and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, he traveled the world to shape national TB programs. ​But beyond his formidable global credentials, Urbi’s true legacy lies in his warmth, his intellect, and his heart for mentorship. ​My own journey with Urbi began at the very start of my career in the early 1980s. At the time, I was a young PhD student working under the guidance of Dr. Hugo David in Paris. Urbi was a frequent visitor to our lab, and I will always remember how genuinely curious he was about my research. For a young scientist just finding their footing, his attention, encouragement, and vibrant intellect were incredibly inspiring. ​Over the decades, we never lost touch. We reconnected year after year at the European Society for Mycobacteriology (ESM) meetings, which he dedicatedly attended. In more recent years, our connection moved to Facebook and social media, allowing us to maintain a beautiful bridge across time and distance. ​Though his physical health had been declining recently, his mind remained as brilliantly sharp as ever. His passion for science and his sharp intellect never wavered. ​His departure is a massive loss to the scientific community and to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. I will deeply miss his presence, his guidance, and his warmth in both life and science. ​May you rest in peace. Your legacy lives on, Urbi. 🙏