Photo: Dan Sauer
Ivan T. Berend (1930-2026)#
Academia Europaea are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Professor Ivan T. Berend MAE on August 30, 2026. Prof. Berend was one of the founding members of Academia Europaea and a Member of the Human Mobility, Environment, Space and Sustainability Section of Academia Europaea since 1989.
Obituary by Katalin Radics#
It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, a remarkable scholar, professor, mentor, and exceptional human being, Ivan T. Berend, on August 30th, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles. He devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge, the education of generations, and the advancement of his field. His intellectual brilliance was matched by his humility, generosity, humor, and genuine care for others.
Born in Budapest on 11 December 1930, Ivan survived the Dachau Nazi concentration camp at the age of 14. He was educated in Hungary, where he specialized in the economic and social history of Europe. From 1953, he was a professor at the Budapest University of Economics. He served as President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences from 1985 to 1990. From that time until his retirement, Ivan taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was also an esteemed Director of the Center for European and Eurasian Studies. Among his many academic honors were memberships in the British, Austrian, European, Czechoslovak, and Bulgarian academies. Ivan was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He recounted the remarkable story of his life in History in My Life: A Memoir in Three Eras (2009).
Beyond his extraordinary academic achievements, he will be remembered most deeply for his kindness, optimism, and remarkable resilience. Even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, he remained a source of hope, encouragement, and strength to those around him. His unwavering spirit and positive outlook inspired countless students in Hungary and the United States, as well as colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His legacy extends far beyond his publications, lectures, and professional accomplishments. It lives in the minds he shaped, the lives he touched, the students he inspired, and the many people who became better because of his example.
Together with his daughters, Zsuzsa, Nora, and Dora, and his grandchildren, Benjamin, Daniel, Esther, and Rebecca, we not only mourn the loss of the loving husband, father, and grandfather; we also celebrate a life of purpose, compassion, and courage. His memory will remain a lasting source of inspiration.
May he rest in peace, knowing that his life made an extraordinary difference in the world.
Those who wish to remember him may support the UCLA Center for European and Russian Studies in lieu of flowers: https://www.international.ucla.edu/euro
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Katalin Radics
Los Angeles, August 31, 2026
The obituary is published with the permission by Ms Radics.
