DDG Recognizes Three Researchers from Helmholtz Munich
At this year’s Congress of the German Diabetes Association (DDG), three researchers from Helmholtz Munich were honored for their outstanding scientific achievements. Their groundbreaking work is helping to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Young Investigator Award for Raffaele Teperino
Dr. Raffaele Teperino received the prestigious Young Investigator Award, endowed with €20,000 by Roche Diabetes Care Germany. As head of the "Environmental Epigenetics" research group at Helmholtz Munich, Teperino is recognized for his pioneering research on how paternal health influences the metabolic programming of future generations. His studies demonstrate how environmental factors, lifestyle, and epigenetic mechanisms shape the risk of obesity and insulin resistance in offspring – offering new insights into the origins of diabetes.
Werner Creutzfeldt Prize for Carolin Daniel
The Werner Creutzfeldt Prize, awarded for outstanding contributions to the pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes mellitus, was presented to Prof. Carolin Daniel. She leads the "Type 1 Diabetes Immunology" department at Helmholtz Munich and holds a professorship in immunomodulation at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her innovative research explores the potential of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in developing tailored immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes, integrating molecular immunology with the regulatory roles of gastrointestinal hormones.
Ernst Friedrich Pfeiffer Prize for Teresa Rodriguez-Calvo
Dr. Teresa Rodriguez-Calvo, group leader at the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Munich, was awarded the €10,000 Ernst Friedrich Pfeiffer Prize. The award recognizes her outstanding work on the immunopathology of type 1 diabetes. Her research focuses on the complex interplay between immune cells and insulin-producing beta cells – an essential piece in understanding disease progression. “This prize is very special for me because it not only recognizes my past achievements but also supports my career, allowing me to continue to make contributions to type 1 diabetes research,” says the scientist. “It also underscores the importance of basic research in understanding complex diseases like type 1 diabetes, ultimately leading to innovative treatments and early diagnosis that could improve patients’ lives.”
