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Hella Bühler PrizeTwo Young Cancer Researchers Honoured

24 May 2022

Lukas Bunse and Sergio P. Acebrón have each received the Hella Bühler Prize worth 100,000 euros

The two scientists Dr Dr Lukas Bunse and Dr Sergio P. Acebrón have been awarded the Hella Bühler Prize, which comes each time with prize money totalling 100,000 euros. The award, which is granted by Ruperto Carola, goes to young researchers from Heidelberg University who have already attracted attention by the outstanding scientific quality of their cancer research.

Neurologist Lukas Bunse (prize-winner in 2019), who works at the Neurological Department of the University Hospital Mannheim, was recognised for his research in the field of brain tumour immunology. He investigates brain tumour-specific mechanisms of immune resistance in order to develop new approaches for combined immunotherapies. Life scientist Sergio P. Acebrón (prize-winner in 2021) does research at the Centre for Organismal Studies of Ruperto Carola on signalling processes, which play a key role in maintaining the functions and genetic information of each cell. Defects in these processes can lead to misregulations of stem cells and ultimately to contracting cancerous diseases.

Preisträger Lukas Bunse (Bildmitte) mit dem Universitätsrektor Bernhard Eitel (rechts) und Laudator Michael Platten.

University Rector Prof. Dr Bernhard Eitel presented the prizes at a ceremony in the Marsilius Arcades on 17 May 2022, taking place in person again for the first time after a break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The laudatory address for Dr Bunse was given by Prof. Dr Michael Platten, head of the Neurological Department of the University Hospital Mannheim and director of the Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology at the German Cancer Research Center. Dr Acebrón had to apologise for being unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony at the last minute. Prof. Dr Jan Lohmann, Executive Director of the Centre for Organismal Studies of Heidelberg University, gave an appreciative appraisal of his work.

Leider nicht vor Ort sein konnte Preisträger Sergio P. Acebrón (im Hintergrund auf der Leinwand). Rechts der Rektor der Universität Heidelberg, Bernhard Eitel, und links Laudator Jan Lohmann

The research prize donated by the Heidelberg dentist Dr Hella Bühler (1910 to 2002) aims to support young researchers at Heidelberg University in continuing and deepening their already outstanding achievements in the field of cancer research. Granted by the university, it is one of the most highly endowed awards in the field of cancer research in Germany.