International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) Recognizes Prof. Kurt Hecher for Exceptional Contributions to the Field of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
London, UK – The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) has awarded its highest honor, the Ian Donald Gold Medal, to renowned researcher Prof. Kurt Hecher for his pivotal role in advancing ultrasound technology in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The prestigious award is given annually to one prominent researcher for their exceptional work within the field of obstetric and gynecological imaging.
Prof. Hecher, who currently works at the Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine at the University Medical Centre Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany, has over 45 years of experience and an impressive 286 scientific publications. He is recognized as a leading expert in ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology and has a passion for Asian cultures, having studied Sanskrit and Indian culture and mountaineered through the Himalayas.
After completing his doctorate in medicine from the University of Graz, Austria, Prof. Hecher went on to work at renowned institutions such as the Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine at King’s College in London. During his time at King’s, he became fascinated by the emerging Doppler technique and was instrumental in introducing it in Germany. His centre in Hamburg has become an important research hub and a major referral and training center for many countries.
Throughout his career, Prof. Hecher has been involved in several groundbreaking research projects, such as Eurofoetus, and has played a leading role in comparing Doppler and cardiotocography in early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR), which laid the foundation for the TRUFFLE study. He also contributed to the development of the WHO fetal growth charts and has been involved in the development of recommendations and guidelines for various professional societies, including ISUOG, on the management of twin pregnancies, fetal growth restriction, and fetal heart examination.
Prof. Hecher’s contributions to ISUOG extend beyond his research. He served as President from 2006-2008 and has been an editor of their journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (UOG) since 2003. He also chaired the 19th and 29th ISUOG World Congresses in 2009 and 2019, held in Hamburg and Berlin respectively.
Upon receiving the Ian Donald Gold Medal, Prof. Hecher said, “I feel extremely honored to have been nominated for the most prestigious award bestowed by ISUOG by my peers and colleagues of the Ian Donald Gold Medal Sub-Committee. It is the crowning highlight of my research career, which is continuing in its fourth decade.”
Prof. Katia Bilardo, who will present Prof. Hecher with his award, said, “Prof. Hecher has made significant contributions to the advancement of science in the field of obstetrics. Through his numerous publications and lectures, he has played a vital role in improving women’s health. His pioneering work on the value of ductus venosus Doppler investigation in the management of early and severe fetal growth restriction has had a profound impact on clinical practice.”
Another Ian Donald Gold medallist, Prof. Ulrich Gembruch, added, “Kurt Hecher can look back on more than 30 years of experience in academic maternofetal medicine. He has been a pioneer in many areas of fetal medicine.”
At this year’s ISUOG World Congress in Cancun, Mexico, Prof. Hecher will deliver the Ian Donald Gold Medal lecture, and an article on his career and achievements will be featured in the December issue of UOG.
ISUOG is a charitable organization and the leading international society of experts in ultrasound for obstetrics and gynecology. Established in 1991, ISUOG has grown to over 140 countries, providing education and promoting competency in ultrasound. The organization’s long-term vision is to ensure that every woman in the world has access to ultrasound and that every scan provider is competent, leading to improved health outcomes for women.
Distributed by pressat.co.uk on Tuesday 12 August, 2025.
