Minister of Science Petra Olschowski said: “Once again, these 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 issues 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 category of basic research, the jury is awarding two prizes 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 for energy production and 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 analysis. Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser combines basic immunological research with clinical application and is setting new standards in cancer therapy with his work on stem cell transplants and immunotherapies. His research has already led to innovative treatment strategies and has significantly improved treatment options for patients. The awards are granted upon 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 Winners 

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 successfully translates into practical applications. For example, in 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 conducts research on 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 unequal gender distribution 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 cancer and rejection reactions following transplants, with the aim of translating these findings into clinical trials and, ultimately, 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: State Research Award 

Baden-Württemberg The State Research Prize is awarded every two years to recognize outstanding scientific achievements across all disciplines. Recipients come from a wide range of fields—from biology and 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 winners are given the opportunity to undertake a research project of their choice. An interdisciplinary jury of renowned scientists decides on the awarding of the State Research Prize.

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