In memoriam Jørgen Tranum-Jensen
It is with great sadness that we were informed that our friend and colleague, Professor Emeritus Jørgen Tranum-Jensen, passed away on Monday 5th January, 2026, after a short illness.
Jørgen studied medicine at UCPH and became a doctor in 1972, and has been associated with the department ever since, becoming a professor in 2006. As the head of the body donation program from 2006-2022, he made a huge contribution to the department and, in particular, to the subject of anatomy.
Already while studying to be a doctor, Jørgen showed interest in teaching as a demonstrator in anatomy and has since dedicated himself to the study of anatomy and to the education of the physicians of the future – as a result he has shaped countless lives. His passion for the subject of anatomy was matched only by his commitment to his students. He approached every lecture, every dissection, and every conversation with a rare combination of expertise, patience, and genuine care. He was a pioneer in his subject, and his knowledge and expertise continue to shape new generations of students through his textbooks, which are still used in medical and dental curricula.
What many will remember most is his smile—always present, always encouraging. He created an atmosphere where curiosity was welcomed, mistakes were part of learning, and every student felt seen. His kindness was not a gesture, but a way of being, and it radiated through the halls, inspiring not only those he taught but everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
He was more than a teacher; he was a mentor, a guide, and a steady source of inspiration. His influence will continue to live on in the generations of medical students he helped shape, in the colleagues he uplifted, and in the quiet moments when his lessons—both academic and human—resurface in the minds of those who knew him.
His legacy is one of knowledge, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
We will miss him greatly.
