Ernst von Leyden Prize: Prof. Schmiegel is named a pioneer in oncology!

Ernst von Leyden Prize: Prof. Schmiegel is named a pioneer in oncology!

On October 1, 2025, the German Cancer Society (DKG) honored the Ernst von Leyden Prize for the first time to celebrate the society's 125th anniversary. The renowned prize went to Prof. Dr. Wolff Schmiegel, who worked as director of the department for gastroenterology/hepatology at the Bergmannsheil University Hospital until his retirement in 2019. The award for Schmiegel not only recognizes his life's work, but also his significant influence on oncological research and care in Germany.

Schmiegel was also known as the medical director of the Knappschaftsklinikum Bochum university clinic and president of the DKG. According to the laudator Prof. Dr. Anke Reinacher-Schick, Schmiegel is considered a pioneer of evidence-based cancer therapy. His commitment contributed significantly to the development of the oncology guideline program, which is intended to increase the quality of cancer treatment in Germany. In addition, his work influenced the certification of cancer centers and the founding of the Internal Oncology Working Group within the DKG.

The Ernst von Leyden Prize

The Ernst von Leyden Prize is awarded to recognize outstanding life's work in oncological research and care. Prize winners must have made a particular commitment to the DKG's goals of expanding knowledge about oncological diseases and improving the framework conditions for their treatment in Germany. In 1900, Ernst von Leyden was co-founder and first chairman of the Committee for Cancer Collection Research, the predecessor of the DKG. In 1903 he opened the first provisional cancer department at the Charité, which was of great importance for the development of oncology in Germany.

The award represents a valuable tradition in the DKG, which has already recognized many outstanding personalities in cancer research. Previous winners include Harald zur Hausen (1986) and Hartmut M. Rabes (1987). These honors highlight the DKG's ongoing support and commitment to oncology.

A look into the past

Since its founding, the German Cancer Society has honored numerous important researchers. A complete list of award winners shows how diverse the contributions to cancer research have been over the years. The Ernst von Leyden Prize is therefore not just an award, but a symbol of the ongoing efforts to find better treatment options and a deeper understanding of cancer.

The DKG remains a central player in oncological research and care. The honor of Prof. Dr. Wolff Schmiegel is a further step towards recognizing and promoting such efforts. As society looks to the future, the Ernst von Leyden Prize remains a significant symbol of excellence and commitment in this important field.

For further information about the DKG and its awards, visit Website of the German Cancer Society.