Award Winners 2024

Similar to previous years, the scientists presented their posters in short five-minute talks. This year, more than 30 reviewers from Leipzig University and Leipzig University Hospital were involved in the evaluation process. A total of 16 authors were awarded the Research Festival research prizes for their innovative work.

Of these, one prize was actively awarded by visitors to the event. The popular Wuschel – the mascot of the Research Festival – was used to vote for the favorite poster.

Biophysics | Biomaterials | Translational Regenerative Medicine

Mechanical Properties of the Premature Lung
Jonas Naumann, Leipzig University, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics

Biotechnology | Biochemistry | Computational Analysis and Modelling

Establishment of a computational vaccine development pipeline for emerging viral diseases – a case study on Lassa virus
Dr. Antonia Sophia Peter, Leipzig University

Clinical Research

Dissecting the role of Interleukin-8 attracted neutrophils in T-prolymphocytic leukemia.
Dennis Jungherz, University of Leipzig Medical Center

Molecular Biology | Biomedicine I

CARcoon – Scaling up mRNA CAR-T cell manufacturing onto the Cocoon® platform
Clara Gebhardt, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Molecular Biology | Biomedicine II

Optimized mRNA Design and Delivery for Non-Viral Generation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells
Reni Kitte, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Psychosocial Medicine and Public Health

Income, health-related behavior, and self-rated health
Antonia Buß, Leipzig University

Molecular Neurobiology

Detection of molecular markers of ferroptosis in the Alzheimer’s brain
Emily Mayr, Leipzig University

Immunology and Infectiology

Distinct characteristics of novel immunoregulatory canine non-conventional TCRαβ+CD4-CD8α- double-negative T cells
Laura Karwig, Institute of Immunology, Leipzig University

Psychology and Cognition

Detecting Lateralized and Non-lateralized Deficits in Visuospatial Neglect Using Immersive Virtual Reality
Julia Belger, University of Leipzig Medical Center

Diseases of Civilisation | Obesity I

Activation of preoptic PNOC neurons regulates energy expenditure
PhD Adel Ben-Kraiem, Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG)

Diseases of Civilisation | Obesity II

Unbiased identification of sucrose-responsive neuronal circuits in control of glucose metabolism
Dr. Julia Schuller, Helmholtz Institute for Metabolism, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG)

Life Science Research

Targeting phosphorylation of the keratin-desmosome complex for the treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
Dr. Katrin Rietscher, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University

Computer-assisted Surgery | Digital Medicine

AI-based white-matter lesion detection in multi-protocol brain magnetic resonance images
Dr. Navid Shekarchizadeh, Leipzig University

Experimental and Clinical Oncology

Investigation of the desmoplastic peritumoral microenvironment in cervical cancer
Svenja Droste, University of Leipzig Medical Center

Audience Award: Biotechnology | Biochemistry | Computational Analysis and Modelling

Intracellular Loop 3 Critically Regulates GPCR Phosphorylation
Yasmin Aydin, Institute for Biochemistry, Leipzig University