Osnabrück University mourns the loss of Prof. Dr. Wilfried Westheide

The University mourns the loss of Prof. Dr. Wilfried Westheide, who passed away on 27 July 2026. He served as Professor of Special Zoology at Osnabrück University in the School of Biology/Chemistry from 1983 to 2003.

Prof. Dr Wilfried Westheide made a significant contribution to the establishment and expansion of the School. His main research focus was on the evolutionary and phylogenetic history of animals in general, as reflected in the highly acclaimed textbook “Special Zoology”, which he co-authored and edited. He was regarded both nationally and internationally as a distinguished expert in this field.

Beloved as a university lecturer and highly regarded as a colleague, we shall remember him fondly.

The university owes him a great debt of gratitude and will honour his memory.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

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