Miscellaneous scientific news/publications, Transfer of Science or Research

From personalised immunotherapy and immuno-oncology to the molecular mechanics of RNA degradation and the search for bioactive natural compounds: the 5th Jung Symposium "Excellence in Human Medicine 2025" brought together experts from across research, clinical practice and academia. Held on May 16 at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and streamed online, the event offered deep insights into cutting-edge biomedical research with clear relevance for patients. As always, the spotlight was on the Jung Foundation awardees, whose talks not only showcased scientific excellence but also shared personal reflections on their motivation, values and sense of responsibility as researchers. The full presentations are now available on the YouTube channel of the Hamburg-based Jung Foundation for Science and Research (Follow this link for the lectures).

The day began with Dr med. Benjamin Ruf (Tübingen), whose lecture "Personalised immunotherapy: How we develop the best cancer treatment for each patient" demonstrated how tumour–immune interactions can be decoded to enable truly customised therapies. Ruf, who leads a research group at the M3 Research Center and works as a clinician at Tübingen University Hospital, is also part of Germany’s only oncology cluster of excellence, iFIT (Image Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies). His approach points to a future of more targeted, effective cancer treatment.

Prof. Wolf-Herman Fridman, MD, PhD (Paris), Professor Emeritus of Immunology at Université Paris Cité’s Cordeliers Research Centre, followed with his talk "From immune response to cure: How immunotherapy is changing the lives of cancer patients". A pioneer in the field, Fridman called for a broader view of the tumour microenvironment and highlighted how modern immunotherapies are shifting the paradigm in cancer care.

After a short break, Prof. Elena Conti, PhD (Munich), Director at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, took the stage. Her lecture "The RNA exosome complex: Molecular mechanisms of RNA degradation in health and disease" explored how cells identify and dismantle faulty mRNA. Her work, which offers key insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, underscores the therapeutic potential of basic research.

The final presentation came from Prof. Dr Jörn Piel (Zurich), head of the Bacterial Natural Products research group at ETH Zurich. In "Nature's hidden pharmacy: New active ingredients for cancer therapy and antibiotics research", he discussed his team’s search for bioactive molecules from previously unexplored microorganisms — a promising source for tomorrow’s medicines.

With several hundred attendees on site and online, the Jung Symposium once again fulfilled its mission: to make outstanding medical research visible and accessible — interdisciplinary, international and patient-focused. Each talk was followed by an open Q&A session, allowing for direct exchange between audience and speakers.

All talks are now available on the Jung Foundation website and YouTube channel.

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Weitere Informationen:
https://www.youtube.com/@jungstiftungfurwissenschaf3753 Channel of the Jung Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjhENAUpDuk Lecture Dr med. Benjamin Ruf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qBS_30gxy0 Lecture Prof. Elena Conti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_0cl8GCh6k Lecture Prof. Wolf-Herman Fridman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYW55rSfmg4 Lecture Prof. Jörn Piel