Nachruf Dr. Jean-Pierre Voiret

Cuvillier Verlag mourns the loss of a highly regarded author and exceptional scholar: Dr Jean-Pierre Voiret passed away on 10 June 2026.

Through our publishing house, he published the work Ex Oriente Lux? Studies on China, 1976–2016 in collaboration with the editors Walter Landolt and Paul Widmer. The book reflects his decades-long, in-depth engagement with Chinese culture and history.

Jean-Pierre Voiret was a fascinating bridge-builder between disciplines. After studying chemistry and metallurgy and obtaining his PhD at ETH Zurich (1968), he devoted himself to Sinology at the University of Zurich in the 1970s. Influenced by archaeoastronomy, he later led two expeditions in China and formulated a new paradigm emphasising the pivotal role of astronomy in the emergence of advanced civilisations.

He shared his vast knowledge as a lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale and the University of Zurich, as well as through numerous articles in specialist journals such as Asiatische Studien and Orientierung.

We came to know Jean-Pierre Voiret as a deeply inspiring and multifaceted individual. His contribution to research into the history of Chinese science will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

In grateful memory,
Annette Jentzsch-Cuvillier and the Cuvillier Verlags team