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Award for Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser / Research on stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy improves treatment for cancer patients / The prize is endowed with 100,000 euros

The 2026 Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize for Applied Research has been awarded to Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser of the Faculty of Medicine – University of Freiburg. The Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg announced this on February 25, 2026. The prize is endowed with 100,000 euros. Zeiser is being honored for his work on immune regulation in cancer and on improving allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which represents the last treatment option for certain types of cancer. Zeiser’s work has a global impact on cancer therapy. The award ceremony will take place on June 11 in Stuttgart. 

“This award is a very valuable recognition of my work,” says Zeiser, who heads the Department of Tumor Immunology and Immunoregulation at the Department of Medicine I at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. “My greatest motivation is seeing that we can directly help patients.”

Zeiser’s research makes stem cell transplants safer and more effective

Zeiser and his team are investigating the immune responses following a stem cell transplant. Often, the donor’s immune cells attack the patient’s body, triggering a graft-versus-host reaction. Zeiser elucidated key mechanisms of this reaction and developed new treatment approaches. This includes the clinical introduction of Janus kinase inhibitors. They improved survival rates and reduced transplant-related side effects. Patients worldwide are already benefiting from these findings from the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF. The team also demonstrated ways to increase the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapies and reduce neurological inflammatory reactions.

QUOTE FROM THE RECTOR

“Prof. Robert Zeiser demonstrates how basic research, clinical research, and treatment at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg reinforce one another. His work is a prime example of successful translation for the benefit of our patients. It is more than justified that he is receiving the State Research Award for Applied Research for this,” says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.

Robert Zeiser studied medicine in Freiburg, Tel Aviv, and Tampa. After a research fellowship at Stanford University, he completed his habilitation in 2010, was awarded a Heisenberg Professorship in 2013, and has headed the Department of Tumor Immunology and Immunoregulation at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg since 2019.

The State Research Prize

The Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize is the most highly endowed research prize awarded by a federal state. It is awarded in the fields of basic and applied research and is endowed with 100,000 euros in each case.