In Memory of Jun Chen

The sudden and tragic loss of Jun Chen has left us with profound sadness. Jun was a valued member of the Nano & Biomechanics group at the department of Structural Engineering at NTNU, a colleague and friend, and a young man whose quiet personality concealed a remarkable range of abilities and an extraordinary determination to explore the world around him.

When Jun joined our group about two years ago, he seemed modest and reserved, someone who rarely drew attention to himself. As we came to know him, however, we discovered a resourceful, independent and remarkably capable young man.

One of us remembers meeting Jun several times in Estenstadmarka, usually travelling in opposite directions: a slow jog uphill, while Jun rode his mountain bike downhill, often with a bag full of mushrooms he had collected in the forest. What once seemed like an ordinary encounter has become a precious memory.

Jun loved nature and outdoor life. He enjoyed mushroom picking, fishing, swimming, skiing and boating. In many ways, he became an informal ambassador for Norwegian outdoor life among his Chinese fellow students and colleagues. He embraced friluftsliv not as an idea, but as something to experience with curiosity and enthusiasm.

The same qualities shaped his research. Setting up unfamiliar experiments is often difficult, especially when equipment and expertise are spread across different laboratories. Jun rarely complained. Instead, he found ways forward, whether within our own laboratory, elsewhere at NTNU, or even at another university. We were repeatedly impressed by his initiative, persistence and ability to connect with people.

Jun reminded us that meaningful research depends not only on sophisticated facilities, but also on ingenuity, determination and cooperation. He also reminded us never to underestimate the abilities hidden behind a quiet and unassuming manner.

We will always remember our last research meeting with Jun, on a Thursday afternoon. As we discussed his latest findings, the conversation grew increasingly animated. New possibilities began to emerge, and we shared a genuine sense of excitement and hope about what might come next.

There is a Chinese saying: “Nothing is too difficult if you are willing to climb.” That afternoon, we truly believed it. None of us could have imagined that it would be our last meeting.

The loss of someone so young is painful not only because of what they have already contributed, but also because of all the possibilities that will remain unexplored. Yet a life is not measured only by its length, publications or achievements. It is also measured by the memories left behind and the people touched along the way.

Jun may not have realized how deeply he impressed those around him. He certainly impressed us.

When we think of Jun, we will remember his quiet determination, his practical ingenuity, and that young man cycling through Estenstadmarka with a bag of mushrooms — curious, independent and full of life.

Dear Jun, your journey ended far too early. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.