Research

Philipp U. Heitz worked in the field of human endocrinology in Basel, London and Zurich. He focussed his work on the biology of neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, gastro-intestinal tract, lung and thyroid, and on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, types 1 and 2 (MEN 1 and 2), using morphological, biochemical methods and techniques of molecular biology.

His research group integrated clinico-pathological correlations. Therefore, the group succeeded in establishing a precise classification system, criteria of the assessment of the biological behaviour, and to investigate the genetics of these tumors. This work was carried out in close collaboration with research groups in Hamburg, Brussels, Kiel, London and Boston. The results of this work permitted, among others, the publication of a classification system of neuroendocrine tumors and of MEN 1 and 2 of the World Health Organization (WHO). This classification is at present the basis of diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.

Philipp U. Heitz was director of the institute of pathology of the university of Basel for 5 years and subsequently chairman of the department of pathology of the university of Zurich during 17 years. The latter has become renowned for its research and teaching activities.

Career

• 1987-2004 Full Professor of Pathology, Chairman, Department of Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
• 1982-1987 Full Professor of Pathology, Director, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Switzerland
• 1981 Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Basel
• 1965-1982 Pregraduate and Postgraduate Training, University of Geneva, Training in Neuropathology, University of Freiburg im Breisgau, Training in Clinical and Experimental Pathology, University of Basel and at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hammersmith Hospital, London (scholarship of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences). Habilitation 1974, University of Basel

Functions

(Selection)

• 2009 Member of the Scientific Committee of the Alfried Krupp Kolleg Foundation, Greifswald
• 2004-2014 Member of the Presidium of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina – since 2008 National Academy of Sciences
• 1996-1997 Chairman of the German Society of Pathology
• 1994-1996 Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich
• 1994-1995 President of the Endocrine Pathology Society
• 1983-1984 President of the Swiss Society of Pathology
• 1979-2009 Member of Scientific committes of Sonderforschungsbereiche of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, scientific expert of the Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Österreich, member of the board of the Center for Technology Assessment of the Swiss Science and Technology Council

Honours and Memberships

(Selection)

• 2017 Honorary Member of the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Pathologie and IAP Austria
• 2014 Medal of Merit of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• 2014 Honorary Member of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences
• 2012 Honorary Member of the Swiss Society of Pathology
• 2009 Recipient of the Virchow Medal of the German Society of Pathology
• 2007 Honorary Member of the European Society of Pathology
• 2004 Honorary Member of the Swiss Society of Molecular Pathology
• 2000 Corresponding Member (foreign countries) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
• 1995 Recipient of the Schleiden Medal of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• 1994 Member of the Gelehrte Gesellschaft in Zurich, Switzerland
• 1981 Dr. G. A. Wander Award
• 1978 Karger Award