Eppendorf young investigators award recognises neuron-tumour expert

Dr. Varun Venkataramani, who is based at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany, receives €20,000 in prize money for his research.

The award was presented in recognition of his work studying how neurons and tumours interact, how synaptic neuron-tumour networks can drive brain tumour progression and the potential for this knowledge to be applied in therapies.

Said Venkataramani : “This recognition reflects the dedication and innovative spirit of my entire research team, whose tireless efforts have made our discoveries possible. I extend my sincere thanks to my mentors, collaborators, and family for their unwavering support throughout this journey.”

Judges noted that his findings contributed to the establishment of cancer neuroscience as a new field potentially leading to new treatment strategies for patients given the lack of therapeutic options.

Two finalists were also honoured at the awards. These included Fena Ochs, group leader at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark’s Biotech research & Innovation Centre.

Ochs’ work studies how human cohesin works as a monomer to bind sister chromatids together and her single molecule studies of 3D chromatin.

Also honoured was Cambridge-based MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge group leader Juliette Fedry, “for her use of innovative techniques to reveal how cellular stress controls protein translation”.

Now in its 30th year, the Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators is presented to young scientists for outstanding achievements in biomedical research based on molecular biological methods.