Date of Birth - February 5^th 1961 – Date of Death 30^th December 2024

Commemoration

A Personal Reflection on Berndt Urlesberger

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the unexpected passing of Professor Berndt Urlesberger, who tragically died on Monday, December 30^th, at the age of 63. His passing represents the loss of a highly-respected researcher and a globally recognised authority in neonatal care. Professor Urlesberger's contributions have left an enduring legacy, and his influence will continue to guide and inspire progress in neonatal research and care worldwide.

A Legacy in Neonatal Care and Research

Berndt Urlesberger was dedicated to neonatology, including 12 years as head of the Division of Neonatology at the Medical University of Graz. Under his visionary leadership, the division grew into a renowned centre for care of premature infants and groundbreaking research. Leading the Research Unit for Cerebral Oximetry, he developed both clinical practice and scientific focus. His contributions to non-invasive monitoring techniques in neonatology, particularly the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure oxygen saturation in tissues such as the brain, remain landmarks in the field.

An Inspiring Mentor

Berndt had an extraordinary ability to inspire young colleagues, nurturing their passion for clinical pediatrics and neonatology and for scientific discovery. Through his mentorship and guidance, he trained multiple generations of clinicians and world-leading scientists with a lasting impact that will foster advances in the fields of pediatrics, neonatology, and neonatal research for years to come.

A Lifelong Commitment to Newborns

Berndt was heart and soul a neonatologist, dedicating his life to guiding premature babies into life with gentleness and deep empathy. His love for his work was evident in every aspect of his clinical care, research, and leadership. Even after his recent retirement as head of the Division of Neonatology in Graz he remained committed to advancing the field, with plans to establish a new dedicated newborn care facility in Graz. His passion, dedication, and deep love for his profession will be long remembered.

Shaping Global Guidelines

Berndt Urlesberger was enthusiastic about advancing the highest standard of care and achieving the best possible outcomes for newborns. His desire to optimise the management of babies at birth was complemented by his remarkable ability to synthesise decades of experience with a concise, evidence-based approach. This valuable combination allowed him to play a pivotal role in shaping international guidelines and defining new benchmarks in neonatal care.

Over the last 10 years, Berndt was heavily involved in helping write the guidelines for newborn resuscitation for the ERC and in reviewing evidence for the ILCOR Neonatal Life Support task force. His rigorous approach was an example to all those who worked with him: This was especially true of his thoughtful, constructive and effective critique. Many of his publications are highly cited and continue to influence ILCOR outputs and resuscitation guidelines worldwide, reflecting his lasting impact on neonatal care and resuscitation science.

Remembering Berndt

All who knew Berndt will remember his enthusiasm for knowledge, warmth, friendship, humour, balanced perspective and thoughtful guidance (not to mention his distinctive fashion sense).

Alongside the terrible grief of his family, colleagues, students, patients and friends the ERC and the neonatal community deeply mourn the loss of a remarkable individual whose presence was inspiring and profoundly impactful. We, who were fortunate to have worked with him have all lost a good friend. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the advancements he championed.

Berndt Urlesberger is survived by his loving wife, his daughter, his son, and his two cherished grandchildren.