The AstraZeneca Foundation's 2025 Scientifics Awards recognise three promising projects that could revolutionise the medical world
Three young scientists have been recognised for their groundbreaking research into rare diseases and conditions. The AstraZeneca Foundation Awards are presented by an independent jury, made up of the FNRS and the FWO.
Dr Robert Prior (VIB/KU Leuven) himself suffers from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (he was diagnosed at the age of 15), a hereditary disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of sensation. Today, he is developing stem cell models to better understand the disease and accelerate future therapies.
Professor Sarah Verhulst (Hearing Technology @WAVES/UGent) has designed anAI-driven hearing test that makes the very first signs of hearing damage visible, so that it can be prevented from getting worse more quickly.
Professor Robin Vos (UZ Leuven/KU Leuven) and his team have developed new methods for the early detection of chronic lung transplant rejection, enabling much more targeted treatment.
Each year, an independent jury, made up of the National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) and the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO), nominates three young winners for their innovative research. Each of them receives €25,000 to fund their further research.
See the press release...
