Obituary for Paolo Beck-Peccoz (1943-2026)
Paolo Beck-Peccoz (1943-2026): a lasting legacy in EJE and European endocrinology
It is with profound sadness that we learnt of the death of Professor Paolo Beck-Peccoz on 31 July 2026. European endocrinology has lost an outstanding physician-scientist, an inspiring teacher and mentor, and one of the defining figures in the development of the European Journal of Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology.
Paolo Beck-Peccoz graduated in medicine from the University of Turin and specialised in endocrinology and internal medicine. He subsequently joined the University of Milan, where he built a distinguished academic and clinical career. He was appointed Full Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases in 1990, a position he held until 2013, and thereafter became Professor Emeritus. He also served as Director of the Institute of Endocrine Sciences and of the postgraduate School of Specialisation in Endocrinology at the University of Milan.
His scientific life was devoted to understanding the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis. Paolo made seminal contributions to the recognition, investigation and treatment of TSH-secreting pituitary tumours and to the understanding of thyroid hormone resistance, TSH resistance and central hypothyroidism. Through the study of these uncommon disorders, he illuminated fundamental mechanisms of thyroid hormone action and feedback regulation. His work combined careful clinical observation, physiological reasoning and molecular investigation, and helped translate emerging biological insights into better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients.
Paolo was also one of the great builders of European endocrinology. From 1998 to 2007, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Endocrinology. Together with Albert Burger, his predecessor and the journal’s first Editor-in-Chief, Paolo was instrumental in establishing the identity and international standing of the modern EJE. It is clearly his merit to have led EJE through its infancy, starting with no impact factor after being renamed from its predecessor journal, Acta Endocrinologica (Copenhagen). Under his leadership, the journal strengthened its scientific quality, broadened its international reach and became an increasingly important common forum for the European endocrine community.
The flourishing of EJE was closely connected with the emergence of the European Society of Endocrinology. The journal’s success and the collaboration surrounding it provided both intellectual momentum and practical support for the creation of ESE. Paolo was a member of the Society’s first Executive Committee and later served as its Vice-President from 2009 to 2013. His dedication was recognised by ESE Honorary Membership in 2016. He also contributed extensively to the European Thyroid Association and received its Merck Prize in 2006.
These achievements, however, describe only part of Paolo’s legacy. Those who worked with him remember a remarkable and unconventional mind. He was never content simply to accept established principles, but instead examined them critically and encouraged others to do the same. His independence of thought was accompanied by great intellectual generosity. He shared ideas freely, gave his time readily and took genuine pleasure in the development and success of younger colleagues. He was a mentor in the fullest sense: demanding where scientific rigour required it, but supportive, warm and deeply loyal.
For those of us who subsequently had the privilege and responsibility of leading EJE, Paolo’s legacy remains tangible. He understood that a journal is more than a vehicle for publishing individual studies. It is a scientific community, a guardian of standards and a place in which successive generations of endocrinologists can exchange ideas and develop their discipline. The values he brought to the journal -scientific curiosity, critical judgement, openness and a distinctly European spirit of collaboration - continue to shape EJE today.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his colleagues, fellows and former students, and especially to Professor Anna Spada, his wife and companion in science and in life. We will remember Paolo for his scientific achievements and leadership, but equally for his warmth, friendship, freedom of thought and generosity of spirit.
Felix Beuschlein, EJE Editor-in-Chief
Wiebke Arlt, ESE President, Past EJE Editor-in-Chief
Hans Romijn, Past EJE Editor-in-Chief
Christian Strasburger, Past EJE Editor-in-Chief
03/08/2026