At the recent 2019 European Congress of Pathology (ECP) in Nice, ICCR President, Dr John Srigley, took the opportunity to formally thank Professor Fred Bosman for his pivotal role in the formation of the ICCR.

It was in 2012 when Mike Wells (Royal College of Pathologists Vice President and European Society of Pathology (ESP) President)) organised for the then ICCR Chair, David Ellis to present the case for ICCR to the ESP Executive at the ECP meeting in Prague. This was a transformational moment as Fred, who was sitting in the audience, instantly saw the fundamental nexus between the ICCR and IARC. As a Series IV Editor for the Blue Books and Past President of the ESP he was central to providing the early essential links between the IARC Blue Books and the ICCR processes, and laying the groundwork for the excellent relationship ICCR has with IARC today.

With the incorporation of ICCR as a not for profit organisation in 2014, Fred served as a Foundational ICCR Board Director representing the ESP and provided valuable knowledge and wisdom in between his trips to teach in Nepal. Fred was also able to play an important role as the ICCR representative on the Union for International Cancer Control’s (UICC) TNM Core Group Committee at the annual meeting in Geneva.

Fred served as Director, representing the ESP, on the ICCR Board until recently stepping down. Without his assistance and tireless efforts, the ICCR would not be where it is today.  His very thoughtful and professional contribution will be missed.