Held at Scheltema in Leiden, the afternoon farewell symposium brought together collaborators, colleagues, friends, and family to reflect on science and celebrate Ferry’s remarkable career. The program featured inspiring talks from his mentor, close collaborators, and former trainees, including Prof. Dr. Kees Melief, Dr. Nadine van Montfoort, Dr. Dmitri Filippov, Prof. Dr. Peter-Michael Kloetzel, Dr. Koen van der Maaden and Dr. Martijn Verdoes. Their contributions blended scientific insights with personal stories, reflecting Ferry’s wide-reaching impact, not only in research, but also as a student, supervisor, and collaborator. A recurring and light-hearted theme was his well-known passion for birdwatching, joked about as something that could instantly draw him away from the lab.
A highlight of the symposium was Ferry’s farewell lecture, “Immunobiology Stories”. His presentation opened with a photo of himself, binoculars in hand, surrounded by birds, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He then unfolded his perspective on science, one grounded in curiosity, careful observation, and a readiness to “expect the unexpected”. He connected his scientific work over the past decades through a series of imaginative and thought-provoking examples: ranging from interconnected ecosystems to his playfully named “Bob Marley cells” to describe antigen-presenting dendritic cells, bringing immunology to life as a complex, ever-evolving landscape. In doing so, he not only shared scientific insights, but also conveyed a way of thinking that has shaped his work and inspired those around him.
The symposium concluded with a warm and thoughtful tribute to Ferry by Prof. Dr. Hermelijn Smits, Head of the Department of Immunology, drawing on reflections from colleagues to highlight both his scientific achievements and his personal impact.
The day continued with an evening celebration at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, where colleagues and friends continued the conversations in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It was not just a farewell, but a celebration of a scientific legacy, one that will continue through the many people Ferry has inspired.