Forschung

His research interests were biochemical properties, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of rare gram-negative rods (Aeromonas, Serratia, Enterobacter agglomerans, and nonfermentative Gram-negative rods), and later he switched to the study of taxonomy, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of coryneform bacteria. He characterized several new species of Corynebacterium and related genera and explored the role of extrarespiratory Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections in drug addicts. He also established microbiological quality control services in Switzerland and took a leading role in clinical microbiology education.

Career

• since 1980 Professor of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
• 1974-1980 Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, USA
• 1969-1973 Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, USA
• 1963-1968 Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, Yale University, USA
• 1958-1960 Research Fellow, University of Mainz, Germany
• 1957-1958 Intern, Milwaukee (WI) Hospital, USA
• 1957 Intern, 2nd Dept of Medicine, University of Hamburg, Germany
• 1956 Research Fellow, Dept of Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Germany
• 1956 Promotion at the University of Bonn, Germany
• 1950-1955 Studies at the Universities of Tübingen, Hamburg, Bonn, Germany

Projects

• 2004 European Society for Cardiology, Guideline for Infective Endocarditis
• since 1983 Swiss Program for External Quality Control in Microbiology

Functions

• 1990-2000 Swiss Board of Laboratory Physicians, Standards and Examinations
• 1981-1985 Swiss Society for Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology
• 1976-2000 American Puclic Health Association, Control of Microbial Contamination
• 1974-1980 American Board of Medical Microbiology, Standards and Examinations

Honours and Memberships

• 2008 Richterich Medal, Swiss Union of Laboratory Medicine
• 2006 Honorary Membership, Swiss Society of Microbiology
• 2000 Honorary Membership, Swiss Society of Laboratory Physicians
• 1996 Becton-Dickinson Award, American Society for Microbiology
• 1994 Member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• 1981 Honorary Membership, American Society for Microbiology, Connecticut Valley Branch
• 1957-1958 Fulbright Study Grant, USA