We have received the sad news of the passing away of our colleague and friend Professor Koen Koch.

Following his study of political and social sciences at the University of Amsterdam, Koen’s career took him to various different institutions.  His first academic position was at the University of Amsterdam, later followed by the Universities of Utrecht and Rotterdam.  In 1989, Koen was appointed to what was to become the Institute for Political Science at Leiden University.  From 1994 onwards Koen became the Jean Monnet Chair in the Political and Administrative Studies of European Integration.  In 1999, Koen moved to Groningen University as Special Professor of International Relations with particular emphasis on the changes and integration processes in Europe.

Koen’s research primarily focused on questions of state formation, arms control, foreign policy, nationalism, and national minorities; as well as the First World War over which he wrote a number of publications – the most recent being ‘A Small History of the Great War 1914-1918’ (Een kleine geschiedenis van de Grote Oorlog 1914-1918, Amsterdam, 2010).

As a part of his teaching, Koen would regularly take his students on tours of First World War battlefields.  He was an inspiring instructor.  In the closing of his inaugural professorial address, Koen labeled himself as ‘an old-fashioned social-democrat teacher who believes in human progress through learning.  This is perhaps a belief that goes against the grain, but something I would want to continue holding on to – with my apologies."  Fortunately, throughout his long career he maintained this position, and apologies have never been necessary.

In September 2010, Koen fell seriously ill. He bravely fought against it, but this was a devastating and one-sided war.  Koen’s passing away means the loss of an intellectual, an inspiring teacher, an engaged and fine colleague. Much greater is the loss for his wife, Dory, his children and grandchildren. We wish his family, friends, and colleagues much strength.

Leiden, 24 January 2012