In memoriam: Otto S. Hoekstra

With immense sadness we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, Otto Hoekstra, who passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 70. His sudden illness and passing have deeply shaken us.

Otto had been a nuclear medicine physician at Amsterdam UMC (VUmc location) since 1988 and was the former head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine. In 2013 Otto co-founded the PETRA consortium, helping to shape its early vision and direction. Even after his retirement he stayed involved in the PETRA consortium, thinking along with the next steps and publications.

We remember Otto as a passionate doctor, a dedicated teacher, a visionary thinker, and a true pioneer. He was a widely respected scientist, both in the Netherlands and internationally, who made a lasting impact on nuclear medicine and well beyond. He had a sharp mind and a natural gift for bringing people together, always ready to lend his support whenever it was needed. He was an inspiring mentor to a lot of young researchers, a great colleague, and a close friend.

We’re going to miss Otto tremendously. But we’ll always remember him with warmth and be grateful for everything he did and what he meant to us. Our hearts go out to his wife and children, family, friends, and colleagues. We wish them strength and comfort in this time of great loss.