Wim de Jonge began his 48-year career at the Eindhoven University of Technology (formerly known as the TH Eindhoven) as an electrical engineering student in 1957. In 1969, he obtained his PhD from the Department of Applied Physics in the field of nuclear magnetic resonance, under the guidance of his supervisor Prof. van der Leeden. In 1979, he was appointed as a professor of experimental physics in the same department. He led the research group Physics of Nanostructures, previously known by different names such as "Magnetism" and "Cooperative Phenomena", in his own unique way.

He had a special focus on fostering social cohesion within the group and had a personal approach towards scientific and support staff, doctoral candidates, postdocs, and students. This, combined with his keen eye for generating scientific impact in a field of great technological relevance, defined his approach. Utilizing new techniques for manufacturing ultrathin magnetic multilayers and in close collaboration with the former Philips NatLab, he can be regarded as one of the pioneers in the emerging field of spintronics. This research, conducted in various European consortia, was of significant importance for the introduction of a new generation of extremely sensitive read heads based on the so-called "GMR" principle, which were essential for the revolution of hard disk drive technology. For his contributions to this research, he received the Gilles Holst Medal from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2000, jointly with Prof. Reinder Coehoorn.

In addition to his research activities, he was an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic teacher who built a special bond with his students. He frequently won the "uiltjes" awards, which are annually given by the student education organization STOOR within our department. Furthermore, he was a strong advocate of the study association J.D. Van der Waals, where he regularly attended social gatherings in the Salon.

Wim also made his mark in university administration. From 1997 until his retirement, he served as the dean of our faculty. In this role, he demonstrated a management style based on social interaction, which was effective in creating a modern, impact-focused, and internationally oriented faculty. As dean, he addressed our students at graduation ceremonies as the "flower of the nation" according to the "scourge of the alphabet." Upon his retirement in 2005, he was appointed Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion. Even after his retirement, he continued to serve the university and faculty as a frequent advisor. He also remained actively involved with the research group FNA, where he continued to utilize his gift of challenging and inspiring young scientists. On June 20th, Wim passed away at the age of 82 after a short illness.

Bert Koopmans, Henk Swagten, and Klaas Kopinga

Department of Applied Physics and Science Education