Master of science; Doctor of sciences; finished his medical studies at Graz University in Austria and started work as an assistant surgeon, specialised in abdominal surgery, at the University Clinic in Graz. Working at the German aerospace organisation DFVLR, 1969-1976. 1969 member of first 4 crew Underwater Laboratory Helgoland, North Sea Saturation/Excursion Diving: 1970 guest researcher NOAA/GE/ NASA Underwater Laboratory Tektite II, St. John, US V.I.; 1973 Ship Doctor Nuclear Research Vessel N.S. Otto Hahn, West Africa; 1975 First deep sea (250 m) salvage operation, saturation/excursion dive M.S. Explorer, South China Sea, Taiwan; 1977-1995 Senior Scientist LifeSciences ESA HQ Paris; 1996-1999 Head European Astronaut Center EAC, ESA Cologne; 2000- retired, 5 years study of viticulture, professional vintner, Merignac France; additional candidate from Austria in the 1977 ESA selection (ESA itself put forward him), but was not selected; Private Pilot License, IFR- rating, 2.500 hrs Pilot in command; Interests: Offshore sailing, active Jazz ( drums ) Heinz Oser Trio, 2 CD's; currently living in Newzealand.