The Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), and Heidelberg University (Uni HD).
The award recognizes Stefan Pfister's pioneering contributions to research into childhood brain tumors. As director of the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), head of department at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and pediatric oncologist at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), he has made decisive advances in the molecular genetic characterization of brain tumors..
Stefan Pfister's research led to the identification of several previously unknown genetic changes that contribute to the development of various types of brain tumors in children and adolescents. These include mutations that open up new therapeutic targets, as well as genetic changes that indicate a hereditary predisposition to cancer. His work has contributed significantly to a better understanding of the biological basis of childhood brain tumors and has enabled more precise, individually tailored therapies.
Another milestone is the co-development of a new, molecular-based classification of brain tumors, which has now been incorporated into the international WHO classification. This is based on an AI-based method developed in Heidelberg for DNA methylation analysis. This method is now used worldwide to accurately diagnose childhood tumors and recommend the best possible treatment for each patient.
In 2016, Stefan Pfister initiated the founding of the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ). For the first time in Germany, KiTZ combines research and clinical care for children and adolescents with cancer under one roof, thus creating ideal conditions for the rapid transfer of scientific findings into innovative therapies.
Pfister has headed the Department of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at the DKFZ since 2012. He is a professor at Heidelberg Medical School and a pediatric oncologist at Heidelberg University Hospital. He is also involved in leading European research initiatives aimed at developing new, more effective and gentler cancer therapies for children.
“This award is a great honor for me and the entire team,” says Stefan Pfister. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation and the University Children's Hospital Zurich for this outstanding recognition. The prize underscores the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric cancer research. At the same time, it motivates us to continue to advance our research with all our strength and in the interests of our patients, in order to further improve the chances of recovery for children with cancer and reduce long-term consequences."
Stefan Pfister's numerous scientific awards include the German Cancer Award (2013), the Léopold Griffuel Award (2021), the Baden-Württemberg State Research Award (2022), and the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize from the German Research Foundation (2023).
Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation:
The Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation was established in 2021 in accordance with the last will and testament of Zurich art dealer Doris Ammann. She left behind a high-caliber art collection, which originated with her brother Thomas Ammann, who died in 1993, and which she and her partner Georg Frei had steadily expanded since then. Doris Ammann stipulated in her will that the art collection be sold to support charitable causes. The foundation works with institutions close to Thomas and Doris Ammann to support projects in human medicine, art history, and education, and develops sustainable partnerships.
