Isabelle Stücker

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Isabelle Stücker, who died on 1 April 2020 after a long illness. Isabelle was a research director at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) in Villejuif, the co-head of the Cancer and Environment team at the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), the co-director of the Master’s in Public Health programme at Université Paris-Sud, and a renowned scientist in cancer epidemiology. She designed and carried out several large-scale studies intended to assess the risk factors for lung cancer, and more particularly the role of occupational exposures and the specific features of this cancer type in women. 

The quality and richness of the data gathered by Isabelle gave rise to numerous collaborations with IARC scientists within the framework of international consortia, such as the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO) and the SYNERGY project: a pooled analysis of case–control studies on the joint effects of occupational carcinogens and smoking in the development of lung cancer. Isabelle’s dedication to science, her sense of humour, and her strong collaborative spirit were always appreciated immensely by IARC scientists. This work will continue despite her absence, which highlights the major contribution she made to this area of research. 

Isabelle was a true friend to IARC and a great supporter of the Agency. She always spoke about IARC’s work in the highest possible terms, and she strongly recommended IARC publications to her students. She influenced many people and led some to join or collaborate with IARC, and she thereby contributed greatly to the excellent reputation of the Agency. 

Isabelle will be remembered for her professionalism, generosity, and appreciation of life. Our deepest sympathy is with her beloved family. 

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