Robert van Deursen (1958-2024)
Robert van Deursen, a member and contributor to the ISB, passed away in June of this year from cancer at the age of 65. Robert served on the ISB Executive Council from 2007-2011.
Professor Robert van Deursen was recently retired from Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd), where he worked in their School of Healthcare Sciences. In the school he was Director of Physiotherapy, and research lead. He became an Emeritus Professor on his retirement, although up until the time of his passing he was still actively publishing.
In 1981, Robert received a BSc degree in physiotherapy from the Stichting Utrechtse Paramedische Academie (StUPA) in Utrecht, The Netherlands. On graduation he practiced physiotherapy first in the Netherlands (Apeldoorn), then in India (Guntur), and Sri Lanka (Kegalla). After returning to the Netherlands, where he worked in Harderwijk, Robert took on another international assignment in Chitungwize (Zimbabwe). He returned to the Netherlands to practise physiotherapy in Arnhem before completing an MSc in Human Movement Sciences at the Free University of Amsterdam (1994). From there he moved internationally again to the Pennsylvania State University where he received a PhD in 1997, studying under ISB Honorary member Peter Cavanagh. His PhD was titled “The effect of diabetic neuropathy on lower leg muscle spindle function and postural control strategies”. In 1998 he was appointed to the academic staff of Cardiff University where he remained for the rest of his academic career.
His frequently cited research spanned a number of areas including the prevention and rehabilitation of lower limb complications due to diabetic neuropathy, mobility problems in chronic neurological disease, and rehabilitation of joint instability after knee injury. His research work was always informed and energized by his wealth of clinical training and experience.
Robert was elected to the ISB Executive Council both in 2007 and 2009. On the council, he was the Education Officer, which among other duties included organizing tutorials at the ISB Congresses in Cape Town, South Africa (2009), and Brussels, Belgium (2011). Robert was also active promoting biomechanics and physiotherapy internationally, in part through his work for the British Council. Robert was instrumental in setting up the Center for Human Movement Science at the Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences in Mumbai, India. This involved regular visits to Mumbai and much other support work when back in Cardiff.
Robert adjusting Vicon cameras at the MGM Institute of Health Sciences, February 2015.
Robert is survived by his wife and soulmate, Everdien Bouwman. They were an indivisible team, both physical therapists, both warm, compassionate individuals who were devoted to the service of others. Robert was always kind, honest, considerate, and measured in his personal and professional interactions. He left a multi-faceted legacy, but perhaps will be most missed for being one of nature's gentlemen.
John H Challis, Penn State University
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