We memorialize the passing of Professor Karsten Conrad, a valued founding member of the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) initiative and a steadfast leader in the international autoantibody community. For more than three decades, he and his colleagues in Dresden devoted exceptional care, vision, and energy to hosting the biennial Dresden Symposium on Autoantibodies (DSA). Through this enduring commitment, Professor Conrad created one of the most respected scientific forums in autoimmunity, bringing together established experts, emerging investigators, and colleagues from around the world to exchange ideas and advance the science and practice of autoimmune serology. Over the years, the DSA became a focal point for many important developments in autoantibody research, diagnostics, and international standardization efforts. The symposium also served as the venue for several ICAP workshops, helping to advance global consensus on ANA pattern nomenclature and interpretation and strengthening collaboration among laboratories worldwide.
Karsten recognized that progress in autoimmunity requires more than scientific discovery alone. He recognized the importance of building an international community dedicated to collaboration, education, and harmonization. Through the DSA, he created a unique platform where clinicians, laboratory scientists, basic researchers and industry could engage in open scientific dialogue, establish collaborations, and mentor younger investigators. Many colleagues credit Karsten's leadership with helping to foster the cooperative spirit that has characterized both the DSA and ICAP communities. His influence can be seen not only in the scientific advances presented at these meetings, but also in the strong international network of colleagues and friends that grew around them.
The DSA was distinguished not only by its scientific excellence but also by its unusually warm, collegial, and personal atmosphere. Colleagues remember Karsten as kind, thoughtful, constructive, productive, and an absolute gentleman. He and his team were admired for quietly organizing meetings of exceptional quality while making participants feel part of an extended family. As many colleagues have reflected, Karsten had a rare humility and generosity of spirit that encouraged friendship as much as scientific exchange. By hosting the charismatic and intimate DSA forum, he not only advanced the field of autoimmunity but also created enduring relationships that enriched the professional and personal lives of countless investigators around the world.
Even while facing serious illness, Karsten remained deeply committed to the future of the symposium and the continued growth of the international autoantibody community. He worked thoughtfully to ensure that the institutions and collaborations he helped build would continue to thrive under the leadership of a new generation. His legacy lives on through DSA, the success of ICAP, and the many scientists, clinicians, and trainees whose careers and collaborations were shaped by his encouragement and example. He will be remembered with deep affection, gratitude, and respect as one of the most influential and beloved figures in the modern history of autoimmune diagnostics and autoantibody research.