With deep sadness, ESGAR mourns the passing of Professor Filipe Caseiro Alves, aged 67, after a long battle against cancer. A distinguished radiologist, academic and educator, Filipe was a dear friend and a cherished member of the ESGAR family. We remember not only his outstanding contribution to our Society and to radiology, but also the kindness, encouragement and friendship he shared with so many colleagues.

Born in Coimbra in 1958, Filipe graduated in medicine from the University of Coimbra in 1982. His early career included medical service in the underserved communities of Penela and Espinhal, and he completed his specialisation in radiology in 1990. In 2007, he was appointed Professor of Radiology and Head of the Imaging Department at the University Hospital of Coimbra. Throughout his career, he combined clinical practice, teaching and research. He also served as Director of the Medical Imaging Department of the Coimbra Local Health Unit and, at the time of his passing, was Clinical Director of Hospital da Luz Coimbra.

Filipe joined ESGAR in 1994 and became a Fellow in 2001. His commitment to the Society found memorable expression in 2007, when he served as Meeting President for the 18th ESGAR Annual Meeting and Postgraduate Course in Lisbon. With its outstanding scientific programme and welcoming atmosphere, the meeting reflected both his professional dedication and the warmth that colleagues remember so fondly. He served as ESGAR President from 2011 to 2013 and received the Gold Medal of ESGAR in 2016. 

His scientific interests centred on hepatobiliary imaging, particularly liver imaging and focal liver lesions. Through research, lectures and editorial work, he shared his expertise widely, while contributing to Portuguese radiology and to the scientific and educational programmes of the European Congress of Radiology. His international standing was further recognised with the Gold Medal of the European Society of Radiology in 2018. Closer to home, the naming of the Medical Imaging Department's library at the Coimbra Local Health Unit in his honour was a particularly meaningful tribute from his colleagues.

Yet appointments and honours alone cannot capture what Filipe meant to those who knew him. Remembered as “a true friend and an inspiring and kind person”, he combined a passion for teaching with a deep commitment to supporting younger colleagues. He welcomed them into the ESGAR family, fostering relationships that helped shape their academic careers. His influence extended far beyond the knowledge he shared: he opened doors, nurtured confidence and gave others a lasting sense of belonging. A fitting tribute to his legacy is to offer future generations the same encouragement and support that he gave so freely. 

For ESGAR, his loss is both professional and deeply personal. We have lost a respected former President and an exceptional teacher, but, above all, a dear friend. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Eduarda and his daughter Eduardinha, friends and colleagues. His legacy will endure in the work he advanced, the people he inspired and the friendships he nurtured.

Filipe will be deeply missed and remembered with lasting affection and gratitude by the ESGAR family.