Johann Wiechers passes away

Cosmetic science loses leading light


One of the industry’s best known figures, Johann Wiechers has passed away following an acute illness. He was hit by a deadly form of pneumonia and died in hospital in Kuala Lumpur at the weekend, surrounded by his family.

A pharmacist by training, Johann was a key figure in the world of cosmetic science and made a huge contribution to the IFSCC. He was a member of the IFSCC Praesidium from 1998 until 2009, serving as president from 2007-2008 but also holding various other functions, particularly those relating to science, such as scientific editor of the IFSCC Magazine (2001-2004) and chair of the science and education committee (2000-2003). He was also a member of other scientific organisations such as the ISBS, SCS, SCC and NVCC. He was a board member of the Dutch Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NVCC).

Johann was also a prolific writer, publishing around 450 papers, posters, book chapters, books, columns (including a thought provoking and sometimes controversial series for SPC) and podium presentations in the fields of cosmetic science and topical drug delivery. He also spoke widely at both scientific and commercial conferences all over the world and picked up a host of awards for his always popular presentations.

Johann’s passing is a great loss and he will be enormously missed by the cosmetics industry as well as by his many friends and his family.

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