The Legacy of “Nini”
She was called «Nini» …
Catherine Wurster, medical doctor, young trainee in Neurosurgery at the University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
Catherine was born on the 28th of May 1997 in Freiburg, Germany, and she passed away at the age of 26 succumbing to the effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury after an accident in the Alps.
She held dual Belgian-German nationality and lived in Alsace, France, where she studied medicine at the University of Strasbourg, before starting her professional career in Geneva.
Catherine was a ray of sunshine for her family and friends. She loved nature and animals. She was active in sports, in running, biking, swimming, and an excellent horse riding and skier.
Catherine always aspired to become a doctor and demonstrated exceptional determination in pursuing her goals with passion and perseverance. For her trainee colleagues, she was a pillar of strength and trust, always standing up for her beliefs with courage and conviction. Her unique ability to bring people together and celebrate every little moment, whether happy or sad, was a rare gift. The long days in the hospital were brightened by her dynamic presence, her unforgettable spirit of life, and her contagious laughter.
Catherine lived with an audacity and freedom that inspired admiration. Her passing is a tragedy for her parents and a great sadness for all who knew her.
She made an enduring impact on her colleagues and patients, far beyond what one would expect from someone so young.
As she can no longer help people herself, this annual scholarship is established in Catherine’s name within the EANS Foundation, with the aim of educating, inspiring, and encouraging young neurosurgical trainees to achieve their goals or to pursue humanitarian causes. The scholarship also aims to raise awareness about TBI, which can happen to anyone.
Her parents, Mathias Wurster, a teacher, and Dr. Vera Van Velthoven, Prof. Emerita of Neurosurgery at the University Hospitals of Freiburg and Brussels, are donating these scholarships to continue Catherine’s journey and to honor her memory.
Candidates for the Scholarship
Candidates for the “Catherine Wurster Scholarship” should submit their detailed application with their objectives by email to the EANS Foundation:
https://eansfoundation.org/ Email: [email protected]
Eligible projects, with a timeline of 12-24 months, may include:
- Completion of a degree in neurosurgery,
- Extension of a neurosurgery degree through a recognized master’s program, such as Public Health,
- Additional support for a fellowship abroad,
- A humanitarian project.
The Scientific Council will carefully evaluate the dossiers and select the candidates who will be awarded €20,000 during the annual EANS congress.
The evaluation by the Scientific Council and approval by the Board of the EANS Foundation, in consultation with the donor family, will take place in the year before the next EANS annual congress. The deadline for submission is set at 90 days prior to the next Congress. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.
Applications Must Include:
- A cover letter explaining the background and purpose of the request.
- A support letter from the department chairman and/or the responsible person for the training program.
- A detailed and well-structured personal and academic CV, including a career plan.
- A detailed budget plan.
- A letter confirming the willingness to use the funds appropriately and to present the achievements at an EANS annual congress.
Candidates are required to submit a detailed report on the use of the funds after the completion of the project or receipt of the relevant degree.
Out of respect for the donor family and for Catherine, a high standard of ethics is expected in the submission.
It is a condition of the scholarship that if the above conditions are not respected, even after grant approval, the funds must be returned.
