​Remembering Prof. Dr. Gerhard Naegele

​It is with immense sadness that we bid a very fond farewell to Prof. Dr. Gerhard Naegele, who passed away on the 22nd of April 2026, following a short illness.
Gerd, as he called himself, was an inspirational academic and friend, who made a valuable contribution to social policy and ageing research, both in his native Germany and beyond. He was committed to eradicating inequalities, especially in later life, and advocated for the need to understand the implications of earlier life course experiences for living conditions in older age.
While some of us have known Gerd for a long time, others have only had the pleasure of working closely with him on the Exclusion and Inequality in Late Working Life (EIWO) project over the last five years. Gerd was involved in the project’s initial conception, advocating for the continued need to eradicate social inequalities in late working life opportunities. Funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, and involving a collaboration between four countries (Germany, Poland, Sweden and the UK), the project has argued for age inclusive practices to be key components of policy and practice. Gerd has played an integral role in EIWO, leading EIWO project work packages, including those focusing on good company practice in age management. Central to Gerd’s approach was a commitment to valuing the role of older people in relation to work and society, and to enhancing their prospects in older age. This work has built on his extensive experience of European research projects, and his role in informing policy making.
Gerd was an excellent colleague, undertaking his work with an enthusiasm that was infectious. His passionate approach, social conscience, and commitment to make a difference has been an important contributor to the project’s successes. Gerd always encouraged colleagues to reflect on what their research meant for policy and practice, and how we could improve the lives of those we research. He was an important mentor to colleagues at all stages of their careers, happy to provide guidance and advice to junior colleagues, or anyone that needed assistance.
Gerd was also a wonderful human being, who was kind, optimistic, open to new ideas and had a great sense of humour. It has been a pleasure getting to know Gerd better, not only was he a policy expert, but he also had lots of great insights about culture, sport, music, cooking and beer, among other things! Not only this, but Gerd took a keen interest in the lives of other colleagues, regardless of their seniority. This included
members of the EIWO advisory committee, who he valued greatly. He was genuinely great fun to be around, and a thoroughly decent human being.
With his death, EIWO, and the wider social policy and gerontology community has lost an inspirational academic, wonderful colleague, and good friend. The legacy of Gerd’s work both on the EIWO project and beyond, will continue to be influential, ensuring that inequalities in later working life remain an important focus of the social policy and ageing agenda.
EIWO colleagues would like to send our deepest sympathy to Gerd’s family, and his wide circle of friends and colleagues.
We will always remember Gerd Naegele, and the valuable contribution he has made to society and our lives.