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Hilmar Johannes Backer was Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Groningen from 1916 to 1952. His research was focused on organic synthesis, creating new compounds and finding better synthetic routes for already existing chemical substances. Despite two wars interrupting his career, he succeeded in building an international reputation in his field.Aside from his scientific work, Prof. Backer put much effort in supporting his students. It was his belief that they should see more than lectures and scientific books, become acquainted with the companies that would employ them in the future, visit scientific conferences and meet fellow students from other Dutch universities and from abroad. He was one of the first professors to organize excursions. He used his administrative functions to advocate better non-academic facilities, such as sports accommodations. Especially during the war years, Backer made himself very useful to the students by organizing summer courses in the town of Ter Apel, by acting as a liaison for students who were sent to Germany for forced labour and as president of the Student Relief Fund. He was a modest, almost shy person. But if he had set his mind on something, he would never budge.