Festschrift for Denny Vågerö

The purpose of this Festschrift is to celebrate the achievements of Professor Emeritus Denny Vågerö, a truly remarkable individual. As the contributions in this volume demonstrate, Denny is a scientist of exceptional calibre, constantly striving not just to find new answers to old questions, but to ask new ones. His pursuit of knowledge, unconstrained by traditional academic boundaries, has enabled him to seamlessly integrate diverse perspectives and approaches. There is no doubt that his contributions have had – and continue to have – a profound impact on the field of health inequality research.

Yet, to attribute Denny’s remarkable career solely to his intellectual achievements would be insufficient. Equally, if not more, important is the fact that he is an extraordinary person. In a world where drive and determination often seem at odds with kindness and generosity, Denny stands as a rare exception. His open-mindedness, curiosity, and inclusiveness in research extend to the way he treats people. He genuinely cares about others, not out of obligation, but because it is simply who he is.

The Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS) is a testament to Denny’s legacy. Nearly 25 years have passed since CHESS was founded, with Denny as its inaugural Director. Despite the many changes CHESS has undergone, his influence remains ever-present. This is evident not only in our continued commitment to interdisciplinary research on health inequalities but also in our strong sense of collegiality and unity. By continuing to uphold Denny’s spirit, we are determined to honour his legacy and guide CHESS into the future.

Thank you, Denny, for everything. We hope you enjoy reading this Festschrift.