Andreas Weiglein: exceptional teacher and scientist not only for Graz

Abstract

Andreas Weiglein-Anatomists all over the world know this name very much. His death in February 2020 was a shock and tragedy, although many of the anatomical community knew about his illness and his suffer. Despite the tragic end, let´s highlight this person and honor him respectfully in a different way. Not about numbers of publications, not about the regularly known stories, I want to present some personal key-moment with Andreas. Andreas Weiglein studied at the Karl Franzens University in Graz and became Studying Assistant at the Institute of Anatomy. At that time, the head of Department was Professor Thiel, who is also well known due to his developed embalming procedure. Under his "mentor" Professor Anderhuber, he became assistant and was assisted and supervised in his early career. When he received the "Venia docendi", he already was known in the English-speaking countries. He attended the meetings of the AACA and AAA frequently, also won prizes for "Best lectures". Memorable as his style of lectures, presenting with an easiness and high standard. When myself saw him as a presenter for the first time at a meeting of the International Society of Plastination (ISP) in Knoxville, TN, in 1997 and at a AACA meeting in Lexington, KY, in 1998, I was deeply moved and impressed about the way of his presentations, the standard and the clinical background of his scientific work. He became an idol, to work hard and to try the best in presenting our scientific work on an international platform. What is more, he was a respected person with high reputation at that time. In addition, we always highlighted the affiliation to the University of Graz and was proud to be part of the Institute. All the upcoming years, he surprised with new investigations and never rested to support young colleagues not only from the own Institute, such as myself, but especially encouraged young scientists to come to Graz. Many visits were enforced by Andreas´ support, many of our, nowadays experienced scientists still remember unforgettable moments in Graz and worldwide at meetings and during the gala dinners or spouse programs.