In memoriam: Franz Paul Gruber

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, Franz Paul Gruber, DVM, PhD, who passed away on April 12, 2023 in Münsterlingen, Switzerland after a prolonged illness. Franz leaves behind his wife Ursula Grashey and his son Jonas Grashey. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends at ALTEX Edition and the Doerenkamp Zbinden Foundation as well as by many collaborators in the field of alternatives to animal experiments. Franz was a veterinarian who dedicated his entire carrier to promoting animal welfare and alternatives to animal experimentation. He worked as an associate professor at the Free University in Berlin, academic director of the animal research facility at the University of Konstanz, scientific advisor of Animalfree Research (then FFVFF), editor-in-chief of ALTEX, and CEO of ALTEX Edition and of the Doerenkamp Zbinden Foundation. He was still active as the President of ALTEX Edition, Co-President of Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Tierschutz in der Medizin, and President of the Doerenkamp Zbinden Foundation. Franz’ life achievements were recently celebrated in an editorial published on occasion of his 80^th birthday (ALTEX 40, 1). With his passing, the 3Rs field has lost one of its most dedicated pioneers. Thank you, dear Franz! Our time with you was an inspiration and a great privilege to us all.