Korner is distinguished in the field of mammalian physiology. He is especially renowned for his experiments which have led to a greater understanding of the general pattern of integration of reflex autonomic activity. His refined techniques have been applied in elegant analyses of the precise neural mechanisms involved in the control of regional blood flow and of respiration in the conscious animal. His work has been especially concerned with integrative activity at the level of the autonomic motoneuron in conditions of stress resulting from oxygen deficiency. Korner's basic scientific contributions in this field have important applications in medicine.