In Memoriam – Prof Claude Griscelli

IPOPI pays tribute to Professor Claude Griscelli, a pioneering paediatrician and researcher in immunology, whose work made a lasting contribution to the understanding and treatment of genetic diseases affecting the immune system.

Professor Griscelli played a major role in the identification and characterisation of Griscelli syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency disorder, and helped advance knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying immunodeficiencies, as well as their treatment through cell and gene therapies.

As Chair of Paediatric Clinical Immunology at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, he was a pioneer in allogeneic stem cell transplantation and contributed to the development of paediatric immunology as a field. He also held major leadership positions in French medical research, including as Director General of INSERM.

Professor Griscelli also contributed to the founding and development of ESID, helping to build the European clinical and scientific community dedicated to primary immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of immunity.

In 2007, he created the Imagine Institute, a unique medical and research centre dedicated to genetic diseases in France, bringing together clinicians, researchers and families in the search for better diagnosis, care and treatments. He was also deeply attentive to the needs of adolescents and young adults living with chronic rare diseases, recognising the importance of supporting them not only medically, but also through the transition into adult life.

Today, genetic diseases affect more than 3 million people in France, including many children. Professor Griscelli’s vision and commitment helped build dedicated spaces where research and care could come together for patients and families.

IPOPI joins the wider immunology, rare disease and PID/IEI communities in honouring his memory and extends its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, students and all those whose lives and work were touched by him.