Helmut Heiss

Helmut Heiss serves as Professor of Private Law, Comparative Law, and International Private Law at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Law. He holds the Chair of Private Law, Comparative Law and International Private Law, with offices located at RAI-G-159. His academic work spans multiple legal domains with a particular emphasis on insurance law and its intersections with emerging technologies and international frameworks.

Professor Heiss specializes in insurance law, with particular expertise in reinsurance contract law, product liability, and the legal implications of artificial intelligence. His research demonstrates a strong focus on European regulatory frameworks and cross-border legal issues, especially in the context of insurance regulation. He has developed significant international research projects including the Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law (PRICL), which has received support from the Swiss National Science Foundation, German Research Foundation, and Austrian Science Fund.

His publication record reveals a consistent focus on insurance law evolution, with recent articles examining how insurance frameworks adapt to new challenges like AI liability and updated product liability directives. His work bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical applications, as evidenced by his involvement in both academic commentary and practical implementation through projects like PRICL.

Professor Heiss leads an active research team including postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students who contribute to his various projects. He is involved in significant editorial work, serving as editor for publications like the Yearbook SGHVR. His research group participates in the ATILA Lectures, a transatlantic joint venture where experts from Europe, North America, South America, and Africa discuss fundamental questions of insurance law.

At the University of Zurich, Professor Heiss teaches Insurance Law, Maritime and Air Law, and Transnational Insurance Law courses for both Bachelor and Master of Law students. His Spring Semester 2025 curriculum includes specialized courses on reinsurance contract law and practical insurance applications, demonstrating his commitment to integrating current research with legal education.