Jean-Michel Quinodoz (1934-2025)

It is with deep sadness that the Swiss Society for Psychoanalysis (SSPsa) announces the death of Jean-Michel Quinodoz, who passed away on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

Jean-Michel Quinodoz was an outstanding personality in national and international psychoanalysis. His numerous publications and lectures earned him recognition and esteem far beyond the borders of Switzerland. In 2010, he was awarded the Sigourney Award for his complete psychoanalytical oeuvre. His work has become an indispensable reference for several generations of psychoanalysts.

From 1994 to 2003 and from 2008 to 2009, Jean-Michel Quinodoz was editor for Europe of the International Journal of Psychoanalysis and from 2003 editor-in-chief of the European Annuals of the International Journal of Psychoanalysis. He was also Vice-President of the SGPsa.

Through his scientific clarity and his willingness to engage in dialogue, he made a significant contribution to keeping psychoanalytic thinking alive and diverse on an international level. He was a member of the editorial board of The International Psychoanalytic Year until his death. He was also involved in various international committees of the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) and the European Psychoanalytical Federation (EPF), shaping their scientific development.

Within the SGPsa, Jean-Michel Quinodoz committed himself with extraordinary energy and human generosity to the transmission of psychoanalysis to future generations. Numerous members and analysts in training of our society owe him not only decisive intellectual impulses, but also constant personal support. Through his commitment, he has promoted the understanding of psychoanalysis as a living, open and future-oriented discipline.

In Jean-Michel Quinodoz, the Swiss Society for Psychoanalysis has lost a highly esteemed and deserving member whose commitment, intellectual clarity and integrity will leave a lasting impression.

All members and analysts in training of the SGPsa and his analysands mourn with his family and will keep Jean-Michel Quinodoz in grateful and respectful memory.

On behalf of the Board of the Swiss Society of Psychoanalysis

Manuel Horlacher, President