He specialises in cultural psychology and has been described as "a leading figure" in that field.
[1] Heine's research specialty is social psychology, particularly cultural psychology with an emphasis on the differences between Western and East Asian culture.
[1] He also has done research on the meaning maintenance model and genetic essentialism.
[2] In 2003, Heine was awarded the Distinguished Scientist Early Career Award for Social Psychology, American Psychological Association.
[3] In 2011, he was honored with the Career Trajectory Award, Society of Experimental Social Psychology.