The European Journalism Observatory (EJO) network is mourning the death of the director of its Czech website, Professor Dr Filip Láb.

Dr Láb, who was also head of the Department of Journalism at Charles University, Prague, joined the EJO in 2011 and was a dear friend to all in the network.

He leaves an enduring legacy through his tremendous contributions to the consortium. He is credited with establishing, shaping, and developing the network of European journalism institutes, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.

Dr Láb was an esteemed international journalism scholar whose work had a global impact. During his career, he earned praise and admiration from scholars and media practitioners from around the world; and his sudden passing at the young age of 45 has sent shock waves across the academic communities in which he worked.

Today there is an overwhelming outpouring of grief in the EJO network, with colleagues paying tributes to Dr Láb’s sharp wit, deep knowledge, and excellent analytical skills.

“It is unbelievable that Filip can no longer be with us and that he had so little time to realise all his plans and projects. It is hard to accept that we cannot meet him again to continue our lively discussions and to laugh together,” said Head of EJO, Dr Susanne Fengler.

She added: “Filip was loved around the world for his wit, his warm heart, his gentleness, his openness, and the friendship he was always ready to share with those he met. Our minds and hearts are with his family, including his young son and his wife, our dearest Sandra Stefanikova – herself, an internationally renowned journalism scholar and editor of the Czech EJO site.

“We can only try to slowly come to terms with this great loss, and offer Sandra our full support, wishing her all the strength on earth.

“Filip will always be in our minds and hearts, and we will never forget him.”