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As we bid farewell to Huib de Swart,  it is impossible to fully capture the depth of his impact on the IMAU, the Department of Physics, our students, and the field of coastal oceanography. After many years of research, teaching, and mentorship, Huib is retiring, and while we will certainly miss his expertise and wisdom, we are also filled with immense gratitude for all he has contributed.

Huib  has been at our department  for over 35 years, and during that time, he has become a leader in the field of coastal oceanography. His research, marked by its rigor, depth, and innovation, has influenced many advancements in the field. His expertise was not only evident in his own work but also in the way he shaped the research of others, always pushing the boundaries of knowledge and encouraging new ideas. He collaborated with many outstanding scientists in the USA, Italy and in particular Spain and was a frequent visitor abroad.

What truly sets Huib apart, however, is his unwavering commitment to his students and postdocs.  He believed in fostering an environment of curiosity and exploration, providing students with the tools they needed to thrive in their academic pursuits. His contributions to teaching have been equally remarkable. His lectures were not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging students to approach the material with both critical thinking and passion. He was several times chosen as the Department of Physics' ‘docent van het jaar’ .

In addition, Huib has dedicated a great deal of energy to the organisation of education within the Department of Physics. He served as the Director of Education from February 2014 for a period of four years, and in this role, he was also part of the department's management team. Furthermore, during this period, he was the Program Director of the Master's programs in Physics and the Chair of the Board of Studies of the Graduate School of Natural Sciences.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Huib has been an exceptional colleague—one whose kindness, humor, and collaborative spirit have made him a great pleasure to work with. His generosity with his time, and his commitment to maintaining a collegial and supportive environment will be greatly missed. As he embarks on this well-deserved retirement, we wish Huib all the best. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers in coastal oceanography, and we are deeply grateful for the mark he has left on the IMAU and the Department of Physics.

Thank you, Huib for all you’ve done—you leave behind a profound and lasting impact.

Leo Maas and Henk Dijkstra, March 26, 2025