Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser (P01) has been honored with the esteemed Donnall Thomas Lecture Prize by the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. This prestigious award, presented in February 2025 at the society’s annual meeting in the USA, recognizes groundbreaking research in hematology.
Zeiser’s recognition stems from his exceptional work in translating laboratory findings into clinical trials, most notably the discovery of connections between oncogenes and immune escape mechanisms and the development of ruxolitinib as the global standard therapy for graft-versus-host disease. This achievement has significantly improved outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
The award holds particular significance as Prof. Zeiser is the first German recipient in 25 years, underscoring the international impact of his contributions to the field. His work continues to advance our understanding of blood and marrow transplantation, carrying forward the legacy of E. Donnall Thomas, the Nobel Prize-winning pioneer of bone marrow transplantation.
