Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser, member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg and research group leader at the Freiburg University Medical Centre and member of the cluster of excellence CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, has been awarded Germany's highest research prize, the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2025, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. Zeiser is one of ten prizewinners this year. The prize is endowed with 2.5 million euros. For many years, Zeiser has been researching how stem cell transplants can be made safer and more effective in cancer therapy. His research has already led to specific new cancer therapies.

"I am extremely pleased about the award. My goal is to make a real difference for cancer patients with my research," says Zeiser. "This award is both an incentive and recognition. It shows that our research is highly relevant."

Significant improvements in stem cell transplants

Robert Zeiser and his team are shedding light on the complex interactions following stem cell transplantation, which is the last treatment option for various cancers. The majority of patients experience interactions with the donor's immune cells, which lead to dangerous acute or chronic rejection reactions. Zeiser has deciphered the mechanisms of this graft-versus-host reaction and thus made new therapeutic approaches possible. In particular, the development and clinical introduction of Janus kinase inhibitors opened up new perspectives for patients: Survival rates have increased, while the side effects of transplants have been noticeably reduced. Patients at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF) at the Freiburg University Medical Centre can already benefit from this today. Zeiser's team also identified ways to increase the effectiveness of the therapy and simultaneously reduce inflammatory reactions in the brain when using so-called CAR-T cells against cancer.

Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein, Rector of the University of Freiburg, says: "We are delighted for and with Robert Zeiser that his outstanding scientific achievements are being honoured with the Leibniz Prize 2025. His cutting-edge research has enabled enormous progress to be made in cancer therapies - and underlines our aspiration as the University of Freiburg in an exemplary manner: that we develop decisive contributions to tackling pressing social challenges. My heartfelt congratulations to Robert Zeiser on being awarded Germany's highest research prize!"

Zeiser has contributed to around 300 scientific publications over the past 20 years. He is a member of the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies at the University of Freiburg and has been spokesperson for the Collaborative Research Centre SFB1479 OncoEscape at the University of Freiburg since 2021. He also received the German Cancer Society's Cancer Prize in 2021. He has been funded with an ERC Advanced Grant since 2023.

"I warmly congratulate Robert Zeiser on this award, which confirms the very high quality of his medical research in Freiburg. His continuous excellent research achievements in a wide range of specialist areas are impressive," says Prof Dr Lutz Hein, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg.

Born in Freiburg, Prof. Dr Robert Zeiser (48) studied medicine at the University of Freiburg, Tel Aviv University in Israel and the University of South Florida in Tampa, USA. After a research stay at Stanford University, USA, Zeiser habilitated in 2010 and became a senior physician at the Department of Internal Medicine I at Freiburg University Medical Centre. He was awarded a Heisenberg Professorship in 2013 and has headed the Department of Tumour Immunology since 2019.

"Robert Zeiser epitomises university medicine. He spans the spectrum from basic research to patient care at the highest scientific level. With his discoveries, he has significantly expanded the therapeutic possibilities in cancer medicine," emphasised Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Director of the Freiburg University Medical Centre. "This combination of cutting-edge research and clinical activity is an integral part of our Tumour Centre CCCF. As a result, our patients benefit from the latest research findings at all times."

About the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize

The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize is the most important research funding award in Germany. It honours outstanding researchers who, measured by the stage of their scientific career, have made excellent fundamental achievements in their fields of research and are likely to have a lasting impact on the research landscape in Germany. The aim of the Leibniz Programme is to improve their working conditions and expand their research opportunities.

CIBSS profile of Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser

Original press release