Ketty Schwartz’s research focused on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the function of mammalian skeletal muscle. Her team was responsible for the first studies of molecular biology in cardiology, which have greatly contributed to establish concepts of ‘phenoconversion’ and mecanogenic transduction of the mammalian heart during development, aging and disease processes. From 1990, Ketty Schwartz’s work focused on genetic diseases of skeletal muscle and the heart. Since 1996, she worked, in close collaboration with Michel Fardeau, to establish an INSERM research unit dedicated to genetics, pathophysiology and therapy of cardiac and skeletal muscle. Her research was the foundation for the development in France and worldwide of molecular genetics in cardiology, a field in which, in the early 1990's, the idea of familial transmission was still not well established. Her multidisciplinary studies led to the creation of Inserm clinical research networks and European networks. DNA banks have been formed and the genetic origin of several diseases of skeletal and cardiac muscle has been elucidated (family hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital long QT syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, muscular dystrophy). In collaboration with Professor Philippe Ménasché’s, her research team was behind the first successful attempt of cell therapy for heart attack and heart failure by using autologous transplantation of myoblasts. Ketty Schwartz was supposed to be the honorary president of Myology 2008 and her untimely death leaves in deep sorrow.