IMPRESSIONS OF THE JUNG SYMPOSIUM 2026
Our sixth Jung Symposium of Medical Research has taken place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 and has offered interested participants the opportunity to follow the presentation of this year's laureates' outstanding research results digitally via livestream as well as in presence in the Ian K. Karan auditorium of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. We cordially thank all those involved!
You missed the event? You can find the presentations of our laureates below.
Our lectures 2026
“Surgery 2.0: Artificial Intelligence-Based Personalized Decision-Making in Oncologic Surgery”
Dr Fiona Kolbinger
Dr Fiona Kolbinger opened the 2026 symposium with her presentation. She is a physician-scientist at the Department for Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at the Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology and works at the interface of surgery, data science, and artificial intelligence. Her research project analyzes treatment outcomes in oncologic rectal surgery using causal models. The aim is to identify the root of complications and to enable more precise surgical planning. This research is intended to make procedures safer and improve patient care. For this work, the Jung Foundation awarded Kolbinger the Jung Career Advancement Award 2026, endowed with €210,000.
“Invisible Link: Molecular Mechanisms of GPI Anchoring and Their Role in Rare Diseases”
Professor Taroh Kinoshita
Then followed a lecture given by Professor Taroh Kinoshita, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), The University of Osaka. Throughout his academic career he elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of so-called GPI anchors. His research has significantly contributed to a better understanding of disease mechanisms, particularly in rare and complex disorders. It provides a foundation for more precise diagnostics and new therapeutic approaches. In recognition of his lifetime scientific achievements, Kinoshita was awarded the Jung Gold Medal for Medicine 2026.
“When the Nervous System Learns Pain: Neuroplasticity as a Therapeutic Approach for Improved Treatment Strategies”
Professor Rohini Kuner
The final speaker to take the stage was Professor Rohini Kuner from the Institute of Pharmacology at Heidelberg University’s Faculty of Medicine. She investigates how the nervous system changes under persistent stimuli and how chronic pain develops as a result. Her research demonstrates how pain is stored and amplified in the body, opening up new avenues for therapies that are more targeted and provide long-term efficacy. For these findings, Kuner was awarded the Jung Prize for Medicine 2026, endowed with €300,000.