The Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) celebrated outstanding contributions to science at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening, held at the Maison des Arts et des Étudiants in Belval. Seven prizes were handed out across four categories, recognising exceptional doctoral research, scientific achievements, science communication, and mentorship.
In the category for best doctoral thesis, two researchers were honoured. Pilar Maria Moreno Sanchez received the award for her thesis on precision medicine for glioblastoma patients, entitled “Precision medicine for Glioblastoma patients: a patient-based pre-clinical platform for immuno-oncology”.
Her research explored the limitations of immunotherapy in treating glioblastoma, a type of brain tumour.
The second laureate in this category was Félix Streicher, recognised for his work in contemporary history. His thesis, “The Forgotten Occupation: Politics, Everyday Life, and Gender in the Luxembourg Occupation Zone in Germany, 1945–55”, shed light on a little-known chapter of Luxembourgish history, when the Grand Duchy occupied two German districts for a decade following the Second World War.
The Outstanding Scientific Achievement award went to an interdisciplinary team at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. Carole Seguin-Devaux, Jacques Zimmer, Aubin Pitiot, Camille Rolin, Gilles Iserentant, Jean-Yves Servais, Xavier Dervillez, Rafaela Schober, and Bianca Brandus were recognised for their research project “Multimeric complexes to unlock the therapeutic potential of innate immunity”.
The team developed and tested potential compounds designed to stimulate the immune system in the fight against cancer and infectious diseases.
In the category Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public, one award went to Asteroid Day 2025. As part of this initiative, secondary-school students in Luxembourg simulated an asteroid impact scenario, applying their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and communication.
Anna Bordus and Oana Nicolae from the Asteroid Foundation were recognised for their work in this area.
Another award in this category was presented to Christina Siry, Sara Wilmes, Kerstin te Heesen, and Sergei Glotov for their work with the SciTeach Center. For the past 10 years, the centre has been helping make science education more engaging and accessible in classrooms.
Finally, the Outstanding Mentor prize was awarded to Christophe Ley and Gunnar Dittmar. Christophe Ley is a professor of mathematics and applied statistics at the University of Luxembourg. Gunnar Dittmar leads the “Proteomics of Cellular Signaling” research group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health.
