2025 Award Winner: Dr. Varun Venkataramani

Group Leader at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Germany
Varun Venkataramani, born 1989, recieves the € 20.000,-- award for his research on the discovery and characterization of synaptic neuron-tumor networks driving brain tumor progression.
His research on how synaptic neuron tumor networks can drive brain tumor progression was recognized by the jury panel as truly ground-breaking.

The jury acknowledged the importance of the emerging field of neuro-oncology and Dr. Venkatarmani‘s role in unravelling how neurons and tumors interact and the translational potential of his work.

Varun Venkataramani: „I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the 2025 Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators. This recognition reflects the dedication and innovative spirit of my entire research team, whose tireless efforts have made our discoveries possible. I extend my sincere thanks to my mentors, collaborators, and family for their unwavering support throughout this journey."

The award acknowledges our contributions to understanding the complex interplay between neurons and cancer cells in brain tumors. Our work has revealed how cancer cells form synapses with neurons and exploit neuronal mechanisms for tumor growth and invasion. These findings are establishing cancer neuroscience as a new field at the intersection of neuroscience and oncology.

Looking forward, we remain committed to developing innovative approaches to map brain cancer connectomes and translate our findings into effective therapies. We hope that our research will ultimately lead to neuroscience-instructed treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with brain tumors, for whom current therapeutic options remain limited.

The offical prize ceremony took place on July 3, 2025 at the Advanced Training Centre of the EMBL in Heidelberg. The laudation honoring Varun Venkataramani‘s achievements was held by Award Jury Chair Prof. Laura Machesky, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.