With deep sadness, we mark the passing of Dr. Petra Krystek, a valued colleague, passionate scientist, and dedicated contributor to the NINFA project. Petra passed away on April 8, 2025.
From the very beginning of the project, Petra played a vital role as part of the Deltares team, making significant contributions to Work Packages 1 and 4. Her expertise was central to identifying and prioritizing the effects of climate and global changes on groundwater quality, and in developing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. She also supervised a NINFA internship in collaboration with Wageningen University, guiding a Master student’s research on cattle health risk assessment related to pesticides in livestock drinking water.
Petra had a unique ability to take a general concept and, with care and precision, develop it into a concrete and meaningful scientific approach. She worked closely with many NINFA partners, always with professionalism, warmth, and a spirit of genuine collaboration.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Petra will be remembered for her kindness, collegiality, and the deep respect she showed to everyone she worked with. Her presence enriched both the project and the people in it.
We are truly grateful for Petra’s contributions and for the time we shared with her — as a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. She will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the NINFA team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and especially to our colleagues at Deltares.
Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Petra during this difficult time.
