In memoriam - Umut Gürsoy
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of our dear colleague, Umut Gürsoy.
We are deeply shocked by this loss as he was not only a valued colleague and mentor, but also a friend.
Umut Gürsoy began his academic journey with a double major in Physics in Istanbul and dedicated his postgraduate education to theoretical physics. He pursued graduate studies at the Weizmann Institute and obtained his PhD at MIT under the supervision of Daniel Freedman. Between 2005 and 2012, he held postdoctoral positions in Paris, Utrecht, and at CERN, before joining the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Utrecht University as a junior faculty member in November 2012.
Umut’s research focused on holographic dualities and strongly coupled quantum field theories. He built bridges between theory and experiment with significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of the quark-gluon plasma in quantum chromodynamics. His work continues to influence experimental efforts, including those at the ALICE experiment at CERN. He built a vibrant research group, supervising many PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful academic careers.
Known as a passionate and inspiring educator, Umut taught courses on quantum field theory, string theory, and electrodynamics. He supervised numerous thesis students and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2014. He also served as Program Leader of the Theoretical Master’s Program at Utrecht.
Umut was widely respected in the international physics community, maintaining a broad network of collaborators and securing numerous research grants. He was also a member of the Science Academy in Turkey. In March 2025, he was promoted to Full Professor at Utrecht University.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Umut lived a very active life, both for his family, colleagues and friends. Among his colleagues around the world he had many close friendships. He would always stand up for what he believed was important, both in physics and beyond. He will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and unshakable enthusiasm.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, students, and colleagues around the world.
He will be profoundly missed.
There will be the possibility to sign a book of condolence from Monday afternoon until Friday 23 May in Umut’s office BBG 7.16.
This book will be passed on to his family.
About Institute for Theoretical Physics
Theoretical physics uses concepts and methods encoded in mathematical language to explain physical reality. At the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP), we study physical systems on every scale, ranging from the very small - quantum correction to gravity - to the largest possible scale - the universe. In between these extremes lie quantum and soft-condensed matter, which study the emergent properties of many-body systems. In theoretical physics, we aim to find answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our world and our existence.
Research focus
String Theory, Cosmology and Elementary ParticlesThis research group studies physics at the smallest distance scales. It aims at understanding and describing the elementary constituents of matter and their interactions as well as their implications for cosmology.
Condensed-Matter Theory, Statistical and Computational PhysicsOur research obtains a detailed understanding of the collective behaviour of many-particle systems from a fully microscopic point of view.
Discover more about
Master Theoretical PhysicsThe research Master’s degree programme in Theoretical Physics is your gateway to understanding the fascinating world of physics, ranging from the unimaginably small scales of elementary particles to the vast dimensions of our universe.
Nobel Prize winner Gerard ’t HooftNobel Prize winner Gerard 't Hooft studied Physics at Utrecht University and then studied and worked at the Institute for Theoretical Physics from 1969 until present day.
SeminarsWe organise many seminars about Theoretical Physics.
