We are deeply saddened by the passing of Albert Schinzel (1944-2025), a former President of the ESHG and the European Cytogeneticists Association. A pioneer in clinical cytogenetics, his work led to the discovery and documentation of numerous correlations between aberrant karyotypes and abnormal development.

Albert Schinzel was instrumental in initiating and organising the systematic collection of information on unbalanced human cytogenetic variants, culminating in the launch of the Catalogue of Unbalanced Chromosome Aberrations in Man in 1983 — a reference still found on many of our members’ bookshelves. Another lasting contribution is the Goldrain Course in Clinical Cytogenetics, a cornerstone event in the field, where he served as course director through its 18th edition in September 2025.

Born in Vienna, Albert Schinzel studied medicine in Innsbruck, Vienna, and Berlin before working in Oulu (Finland) and Seattle (USA). He later joined the Institute of Medical Genetics at the University of Zurich, becoming Associate Professor in 1986 and, in 1996, Full Professor and Director.

The ESHG will remember him not only for his scientific achievements, but also for his dedication to teaching, his humanity, and his generous spirit.