The Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize 2026 for Applied Research goes to Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser from the Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, who is a member of the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies at the University of Freiburg. This was announced by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts on 25 February 2026. The prize is endowed with 100,000 euros. Zeiser is being honoured for his work on immune regulation in cancer and on improving allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which is the final treatment option for certain types of cancer. Zeiser's work has had a global impact on cancer therapy. The award ceremony will take place on 11 June in Stuttgart.
· Press Release
State Research Prize 2026 for Freiburg cancer researcher
Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser from the Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg has been awarded the 2026 Landesforschungspreis (State Research Prize), worth 100,000 euros. His research into stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy is improving the treatment of cancer patients worldwide.
Prof. Dr Robert Zeiser receives the 2026 State Research Prize for applied research.
Foto: Jürgen Gocke / University of Freiburg
‘The award is a very valuable recognition of my work,’ says Zeiser, who heads the Department of Tumour Immunology and Immune Regulation at the Clinic for Internal Medicine I at the University Medical Center Freiburg. ‘My greatest motivation is being able to see that we can help patients directly.’
Zeiser's research makes stem cell transplants safer and more effective
Zeiser and his team are investigating immune responses following stem cell transplants. Donor immune cells often attack the patient's body, triggering a graft-versus-host reaction. Zeiser has elucidated key mechanisms underlying this reaction and developed new treatment approaches. These include the clinical implementation of Janus kinase inhibitors. They have improved survival rates and reduced transplant-related side effects. Patients worldwide are already benefiting from these results achieved at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg – CCCF. The team has also identified ways to increase the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapies and reduce neurological inflammatory reactions.
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein, Rector of the University of Freiburg, says: ‘Robert Zeiser's award-winning cutting-edge research is enabling enormous advances in cancer therapy. This important work deserves special recognition. I therefore warmly congratulate Robert Zeiser on receiving the Landesforschungspreis. His success exemplifies our commitment at the University of Freiburg to make decisive contributions to addressing pressing societal challenges.’
‘Prof. Robert Zeiser demonstrates how basic research, clinical research and treatment at the University Medical Center 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 Prize for Applied Research for this,’ says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Director of the University Medical Center Freiburg.
About Robert Zeiser
Robert Zeiser studied medicine in Freiburg, Tel Aviv and Tampa. After a research stay at Stanford University, he habilitated in 2010, received a Heisenberg Professorship in 2013 and has been head of the Department of Tumour Immunology and Immune Regulation at the University Medical Center Freiburg since 2019.
The Landesforschungspreis
The Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize (Landesforschungspreis) is the most highly endowed research prize awarded by a German federal state. It is awarded for basic and applied research and is endowed with 100,000 euros in each category.