Minister of Science Petra Olschowski said: “Once again, the three awardees exemplify the enormous breadth and quality of research in Baden-Württemberg. Their work ranges from innovative solutions for a climate-neutral food supply to key questions of social integration and groundbreaking advances in cancer medicine. All three combine scientific excellence with high societal relevance. We extend our heartfelt congratulations!”

Two Awards in Basic Research

In the field of basic research, the jury is awarding two Awards due to the exceptionally high quality of the submissions: to Prof. Dr. Largus Angenent of the University of Tübingen and Prof. Dr. Irena Kogan of the University of Mannheim. The State Research Prize for Applied Research goes to Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser of the University of Freiburg. The State Research Prize will be awarded on June 11, 2026, in Stuttgart.

Prof. Dr. Largus Angenent conducts research on the sustainable use of microbial communities in energy production and in the remediation of environmental pollution. Prof. Dr. Irena Kogan, a leading sociologist, has made significant contributions to research on social inequality, migration, ethnicity, transitions from school to work, and comparative social structure analyses. Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser combines basic immunological research with clinical application and, through his work on stem cell transplants and immunotherapies, is setting new standards in cancer therapy. His research has already led to innovative treatment strategies and has significantly improved treatment options for patients. The awards are presented based on the recommendation of a selection committee chaired by the President of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Georg Kräusslich. 

Background: Award Recipients

Prof. Dr. Largus Angenent (University of Tübingen): His research focuses on the optimal use of bacteria in gas fermentation, an important source of clean energy for the future. By analyzing the composition and interactions of microbial communities in various environments—such as the air in hospitals or in fermentation plants—he has gained fundamental insights that he has successfully applied in practical applications. For example, through his own company, he develops and optimizes microbes for the storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the form of methane, which represents an important step toward a more sustainable energy supply.

Prof. Dr. Irena Kogan (University of Mannheim): She researches educational and career opportunities for migrants. At MZES, she leads the European Research Council-funded project “Partnership Formation Among Refugees in Germany” (PARFORM), which examines partnership processes in the context of gender inequality and pronounced cultural and social distance. Her research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with migration and integration, thereby contributing to the development of effective strategies for a more inclusive society. 

Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser (University of Freiburg): His goal is to gain new insights into immune processes in tumor diseases and rejection reactions following transplants, in order to apply these findings in clinical trials and ultimately in the approval of new drugs. Through his work, he has made a significant contribution to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches and diagnostic procedures, which have already led to new therapies and revised treatment guidelines.

Background: Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize

The Baden-Württemberg State Research Prize is awarded every two years to recognize outstanding scientific achievements across all disciplines. Recipients come from a variety of fields—ranging from biology to philology to public finance. As the most highly endowed research prize awarded by a federal state, 100,000 euros each are awarded to a researcher in basic research and a scientist in applied research. The laureates are given the opportunity to undertake a research project of their choice. An interdisciplinary jury of renowned scientists decides on the recipients of the State Research Prize.

[Press release from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts dated February 25, 2026]