Pioneer of myeloma research

On 9 June 2026, Professor Hermann Einsele was honoured with the International Myeloma Foundation’s Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award at the 17th Congress of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) in Stockholm. The International Myeloma Working Group is a global network of leading experts in this field. Named after its first recipient, the award recognises individuals whose life’s work in the field of multiple myeloma has enabled significant advances in research, treatment and patient care. A few days earlier, on 4 June 2026, Hermann Einsele was presented with the Francesca Cassinelli Award 2025 in Piacenza (Italy) for his exceptional scientific contributions to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.

He is regarded as a pioneer and visionary, is one of the most influential and respected scientists at Würzburg University Hospital, a globally valued networker and an outstanding mentor. He has inspired and motivated generations of clinicians and scientists and is a tireless advocate for patients’ interests. This is Professor Dr Hermann Einsele, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine II at the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW). The internist, haematologist and oncologist is an internationally recognised expert in the field of multiple myeloma and conducts research into CAR-T cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, adoptive immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Through his work, he has brought about lasting improvements in patient care and has made a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of the disease. For this outstanding life’s work, he received the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award in Stockholm on 9 June 2026.

The Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest international honours in myeloma research. Since 2003, it has been awarded by the International Myeloma Foundation to individuals who, through decades of scientific and clinical work, have made a decisive contribution to progress in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a malignant disease of the bone marrow. The award is named after its first recipient, Robert A. Kyle, a pioneer in myeloma research.

“This award belongs not just to me, but to an entire team”

“It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award, particularly as it bears the name of a giant in the field of multiple myeloma: Robert Kyle. I am deeply grateful to him for being a role model for generations of myeloma researchers, for his tireless dedication to his patients, and for his firm conviction that research must ultimately benefit patients,” said Hermann Einsele on receiving the award. “This award does not belong to me alone, but to an entire team of outstanding doctors, scientists, principal investigators and nursing staff in Würzburg, who are working with extraordinary commitment to make the treatment of our patients more effective and better tolerated. I would also like to extend my special thanks to the many colleagues in the international myeloma community, whose trust, collaboration, support and friendship have made this success possible.”

“Treatment options redefined worldwide”

In Stockholm, alongside the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award, the Brian G. M. Durie Outstanding Achievement Award was also presented. This year’s recipient is Professor Raje. She is Director of the Centre for Multiple Myeloma, holder of the Rita M. Kelley Chair in Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Centre, and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Raje is one of the world’s leading experts on multiple myeloma and plasma cell disorders.

The Chairman of the Board of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), Dr S. Vincent Rajkumar, paid tribute to both award winners: “Professor Einsele and Professor Raje have made a lasting impact on the field of multiple myeloma through groundbreaking scientific leadership, exceptional clinical expertise and their unwavering commitment to patients. Professor Einsele’s pioneering work in immunotherapy and cell therapy has redefined treatment options worldwide, whilst Professor Raje’s leadership in translational research and innovative therapies has played a decisive role in shaping the future of myeloma care.”

The President and CEO of the IMF, Heather Cooper Ortner, also offered her congratulations: “Congratulations to Professor Einsele and Professor Raje on these well-deserved awards! Through their innovative spirit, dedication and leadership, they have advanced myeloma research and made a lasting difference to the lives of patients and their families worldwide.”

Reactions from Würzburg to the award:

Prof. Dr Matthias Frosch, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Würzburg: “I am delighted that Hermann Einsele has been honoured with the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Myeloma Foundation. He is one of the most respected and influential scientists at the Faculty of Medicine in Würzburg. But he is far more than that: an exceptional networker who is held in the highest regard throughout the university and makes a significant contribution to its scientific profile. Above all, however, he is a dear and loyal friend. Congratulations, Hermann.”

Prof. Dr Tim J. von Oertzen, Medical Director of the UKW: “Hermann Einsele, Professor and Chair of Haematology and Oncology at our University Hospital, has had a profound impact on the field of myeloma research. He has consistently bridged the gap between scientific discovery in the laboratory and clinical application, thereby translating scientific findings into concrete therapeutic advances. But beyond his scientific excellence, he is distinguished above all by his unwavering commitment to the people affected by the disease. His work will continue to guide and inspire future generations. Congratulations on the Robert A. Kyle Achievement Award – it is more than deserved.”

Prof. Dr Paul Pauli, President of the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg: “Congratulations on the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award! Hermann Einsele is more than deserving of this honour. In recent years, he has made outstanding contributions to haematology and oncology at our university and, in particular, has made decisive advances in the field of immunotherapy. It is particularly noteworthy that he has succeeded in successfully translating his research findings into clinical practice. Numerous patients have benefited directly from his scientific findings.”

Prof. Dr Sophia Danhof, Professor of Cellular Immunotherapy for Malignant Diseases at the UKW: “Hermann Einsele is undoubtedly a visionary in his field. Through his numerous groundbreaking contributions, he has driven decisive progress in the diagnosis and – just as importantly – the treatment of multiple myeloma. His work has significantly shaped an era of myeloma research and brought us to the threshold of a paradigm shift: the possibility of actually curing the disease in some of our patients. Furthermore, he has inspired and supported many young doctors and scientists – myself included. And despite his deep commitment to research, he has never lost his passion for the individual care of his patients. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!”

Prof. Dr Michael Hudecek, Chair of Cellular Immunotherapy at the UKW: “Hermann Einsele more than deserves this award: he is an exceptional leader, an outstanding mentor, a passionate clinician, an innovative researcher and a tireless advocate for patients’ interests. He simply attracts success, and it has been a great pleasure and honour for me to work with him over the past few years. I look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

PD Dr Sabrina Kraus, Senior Consultant at the Centre for Allogeneic Stem Cell Therapies at the UKW: “Many people know Professor Einsele for his scientific achievements. What is not always visible, however, is his day-to-day work: being present on the wards, talking to patients, being there for his team and encouraging young colleagues to start their own research projects. Despite all his responsibilities, it is precisely this daily commitment that has impressed me the most. He has shown me that it is possible to maintain close contact with patients whilst conducting research at the highest level. I am very happy for him. This award is more than deserved.”

Prof. Dr Maik Luu, Assistant Professor of Translational Medicine at the UKW: “Congratulations on this outstanding award. We all know Hermann Einsele as a pioneer in myeloma research and patient care. Personally, however, I would also like to thank him for being a mentor we can look up to – someone who has inspired and supported generations of clinicians and medical scientists. I very much hope that Hermann Einsele will continue to inspire us in the future with his commitment, expertise and enthusiasm.”

Dr Anna Fleischer, Clinician Scientist at the UKW: “We are currently trying to find a way to clone Hermann Einsele before he retires – not only because of his outstanding scientific achievements, but also because he instils confidence and hope. With his calm, friendly, cheerful and uplifting manner, he gives his patients confidence and hope even in the most difficult situations. Congratulations on this wonderful and truly well-deserved Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award!”

Career and awards of Prof. Dr Hermann Einsele

After studying medicine at the universities of Tübingen, Manchester and London, Hermann Einsele became a research fellow in the Department of Haematology, Oncology, Rheumatology and Immunology at the University of Tübingen. In 1991, the Stuttgart-born doctor was certified as a specialist in internal medicine, and in 1996 in haematology and oncology. In 1999, Einsele was appointed adjunct professor. He has also served as a visiting professor at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte (California) and at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle (Washington). In 2003, he was awarded the van Bekkum Prize, Europe’s highest honour for research in the field of stem cell transplantation.

In 2011, he was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (London) and in 2012 was invited as a Nobel Lecturer on stem cell biology and transplantation at the Karolinska Institute’s Nobel Forum. In 2014, he became a member of the Academy of Sciences and Literature in Mainz, and in 2017 he was recognised as a ‘Highly Cited Researcher’ in the Clinical Medicine category.

From 2011 to 2015, and again since 2022, Hermann Einsele has served as Prodekan (Vice Dean) of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Würzburg; from 2015 to 2021, he was the university’s vice president for research and early-career researchers. He was also a member of the advisory board for the “Zwanzig20 – Partnership for Innovation” funding programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and served as Vice-President of the University of Würzburg from 2015 to 2021. Since 2018, he has headed the scientific working group on immunotherapy for haematological diseases at the European Hematology Association. Since 2023, he has been spokesperson for the National Centre for Tumour Diseases NCT WERA.

In 2022, Einsele received the Erasmus Hematology Award from Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam and the Bavarian Constitutional Medal. In 2023, he was awarded the Emil von Behring Prize by the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, and was also elected to the Academia Europaea. In 2024, he became a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and received the Ken Anderson Basic and Translational Research Award from the International Myeloma Society. A few days before receiving the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award, he was presented with the Francesca Cassinelli Award 2025 on 4 June in Piacenza (Italy) for his exceptional scientific contributions to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.

About the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world’s leading organisation in the fight against multiple myeloma. Its mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of this disease and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The IMF supports those affected at all stages of the disease through cutting-edge research, reliable information, international advocacy and direct support services. A central component of its work is the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a network of more than 380 world-renowned researchers and clinicians who develop international guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and care of myeloma patients.

Through its global network of support groups, educational programmes, the 24/7 AI-based myeloma assistance service Myelo®, the InfoLine, and its commitment to improving access to healthcare, the IMF supports patients and their families through diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, whilst ensuring that scientific advances directly benefit patients. Further information.