Photo: Nadja Ensink-Teich

Ensink graduated in 1999 from Wageningen University and was now affiliated with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Here, among others, he worked on preventing infectious diseases through improved handling of wastewater and drinking water. He studied the spread of cholera and pathogenic worms. His work often took place in emerging countries in Asia and Africa.

Although he was not officially affiliated with Wageningen UR they regularly cooperated.  Until two years ago the alumnus was guest lecturer for the study International Land and Water Management. He also occasionally supervised thesis students and worked together with the chair groups Water Resources Management and Environmental Technology. This January Ensink would submit a research proposal with a Wageningen colleague.

The news of Ensinks death had a large impact on the water researchers of Wageningen UR. ‘I am shocked’, says Linden Vincent, professor emeritus Irrigation and Water Engineering. ‘He was a dedicated and passionate researcher . And also a nice man.’ Other colleagues praise his wide interest, great skills and by students highly valued guest lectures. ‘I always hoped that he would return from London to Wageningen’, says Frans Huibers, a former employee who repeatedly succeeded to bring Ensink to Wageningen as guest researcher. ‘It is terrible that this has now become impossible in such a brutal way.’

On request of his family, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine established a fund with Ensinks name. The fund will provide scholarships for students of Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to be able to follow a Master’s degree. Donations can be made here.