Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators 2025 awarded to neuroscientist Varun Venkataramani
Ella Day | July 10, 2025 | News story | Medical Communications, Medical/ Scientific Writing, Research and Development | Neurology, Oncology
Varun Venkataramani, of Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany, has been awarded the 2025 Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators for his research on how synaptic neuron-tumour networks can drive brain tumour progression. The award was established by the Eppendorf Group in 1995 to award outstanding research by European scientists below the age of 35 years in their early career.
The jury, chaired by Laura Machesky of the University of Cambridge, UK, commended Venkataramani’s work on synaptic interactions between neurons and tumour cells, describing it as a landmark contribution to the emerging field of neurooncology. His findings reveal how cancer cells form synapses with neurons and use these connections to fuel tumour growth and invasion.
Venkataramani commented, “This recognition reflects the dedication and innovative spirit of my entire research team. I extend my sincere thanks to my mentors, collaborators and family for their unwavering support throughout this journey.”
Additionally, two further finalists were recognised for their scientific achievements. Fena Ochs of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, was honoured for her work on the cohesin complex in chromatid cohesion. Juliette Fedry of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK, was recognised for her work on how cellular stress influences protein translation using innovative techniques.
The award ceremony took place on 3 July 2025 at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany. Eppendorf is a life sciences company that develops and distributes lab technologies globally.
Ella Day
10/7/25
