Outstanding Researcher Honored
Prof. Dr. Steffen Jung Receives the Renowned Jakob Herz Prize 2024
In a festive ceremony on Friday, November 8, 2024, the Jakob Herz Prize was awarded to Prof. Dr. Steffen Jung, Henry H. Drake Professor of Immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. The award, presented for the eighth time, recognizes his groundbreaking scientific work on the development and differentiation of macrophages, as well as their function and regulation in immune defense and in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases. The Jakob Herz Prize is awarded biennially for outstanding scientific achievements in theoretical and clinical medicine and comes with a prize of €10,000.
This year’s event highlighted the impressive research accomplishments of Prof. Jung, whose work has had a lasting impact on immunology and opened up new therapeutic possibilities.
Outstanding Achievements in Macrophage Research
Prof. Dr. Steffen Jung was honored for his pioneering studies on the role of macrophages in the body. Macrophages are cells capable of engulfing pathogens (“phagocytes”) and killing tumor cells. They are an integral part of multicellular organisms, playing a crucial role in organ development, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and both innate and adaptive immune defense. Consequently, macrophages are promising targets for future strategies to treat chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and cancerous diseases. However, realizing this therapeutic potential requires detailed knowledge of this cellular network, which is best gained through studies in suitable animal models.
The 2024 Jakob Herz Prize laureate, Prof. Dr. Steffen Jung, is a pioneer in developing such preclinical animal models, which have enabled him and his colleagues to achieve an unprecedented understanding of macrophage ontogeny during embryonic and adult stages, as well as the diverse functions of macrophages in different tissues. Innovative experimental strategies, including cell ablation, genetic manipulation, and gene expression profiling, allowed Prof. Jung to explore, for instance, the dynamics of blood monocytes and the specific roles of tissue macrophages in the gut (intestinal macrophages) and brain (microglia).
Prof. Jung’s work has inspired scientists worldwide. His groundbreaking basic research has significantly advanced our understanding of the biology of monocytes and tissue macrophages. “Prof. Jung’s work has not only expanded our knowledge of the development, function, and regulation of this heterogeneous group of immune cells but also provides crucial insights for new treatment concepts for chronic inflammatory diseases,” said Prof. Christian Bogdan, Director of the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene at FAU and University Hospital Erlangen, during his laudatory speech. Prof. Bogdan emphasized Prof. Jung’s innovative approach, which provides significant momentum for medical research and clinical applications.
The ceremony was opened by Prof. Dr. Markus F. Neurath, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at FAU. Prof. Dr. Joachim Hornegger, President of FAU, also delivered a welcoming address and praised Prof. Jung’s outstanding achievements. “By awarding the Jakob Herz Prize to Prof. Jung, we not only honor a leading immunologist but also a scientist whose international collaborations and dedication have enriched the global scientific community,” said Prof. Hornegger.
The event was accompanied by music from a combo of the FAU Big Band, led by Simon Scharf, which added a festive atmosphere with jazzy tunes.
A Prize with Historical Significance
The award is named after Jakob Herz, a prominent Erlangen physician, researcher, and the first Jewish professor in Bavaria. Jakob Herz was born on February 2, 1816, in Bayreuth and died on September 27, 1871, in Erlangen. He dedicated his medical expertise to the citizens of Erlangen, going above and beyond in his commitment. The prize, endowed with €10,000, is funded by the Medical Research Foundation at University Hospital Erlangen.
Further Information
Dr. Anja Goldmann
Tel. 09131 85-32123
anja.goldmann@fau.de
