In Memoriam: Professor Johannes Hirschberger (1956–2026)

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Professor Johannes Hirschberger was born on 12 November 1956 in Wipperfürth, Germany. After completing secondary school and graduating in 1975, he initially began studying physics at the University of Cologne. Following one year of military service, he decided to pursue veterinary medicine, studying at Ghent University in Belgium from 1977 to 1978 before continuing his studies at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where he graduated in 1982. He received his veterinary license in January 1983.

Professor Hirschberger devoted his entire academic career to veterinary internal medicine. After working as a research assistant at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology at Justus Liebig University Giessen, he earned his doctoral degree in 1987 with a dissertation entitled Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Chicken T Lymphocytes. From 1985 to 1989, he served as a research assistant at the First Medical Animal Clinic of Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, later joining the faculty as an Academic Councillor.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Hirschberger was deeply committed to clinical research, veterinary education, and the care of both patients and students. He became a board-certified specialist in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics and Internal Medicine, completed his habilitation in Internal Medicine of Horses and Small Animals as well as Veterinary Forensic Medicine, and spent two research periods in the United States. He received professorial appointments in Small Animal Internal Medicine from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover and from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich, where he continued his academic career.

Professor Hirschberger made outstanding contributions to veterinary oncology and clinical pathology at both the national and international levels. He served as the founding President of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ESVCP), Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVIM-CA), Diplomate of the ECVIM Oncology Subspecialty, Honorary Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP), Board Member and Treasurer of the ECVIM-CA, and Associate Editor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. After 37 years of dedicated service in research, teaching, and clinical practice—most recently as Head of the Medical Oncology Service—he retired on 1 October 2022.

Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Hirschberger was a devoted family man. He had been married since 1979 and was the father of five children. The death of his wife, Christel, in June 2012 was a profound personal loss.

Professor Hirschberger's life was defined not only by academic excellence and professional accomplishment but also by his unwavering dedication to his family, colleagues, students, and patients. His contributions have left a lasting mark on veterinary medicine, and his expertise, kindness, and integrity will be remembered by generations of veterinarians and researchers.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich mourns the loss of a highly respected colleague, scientist, clinician, and teacher. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working with and learning from him.

Our deepest sympathies go to his family and loved ones.