Awards for dedicated care
07/14/2026Supervisor of the Year 2026: Four researchers at the University of Würzburg can now use this title. They were honoured by PhD students from the Graduate School of Life Sciences.
Once a year, the graduate schools at the University of Würzburg host their Graduate Schools Day. Alongside a guest lecture, a careers session and the summer party, this year’s programme also included a graduation ceremony. The Graduate School of Life Sciences’ Supervisor of the Year Awards were presented at the event, with Caroline Kisker, JMU’s Vice-President for Early-Career Researchers, presiding over the ceremony.
The GSLS doctoral students had nominated 17 supervisors for these awards – a sign of their appreciation for their mentoring, outstanding academic support and personal guidance in the day-to-day work of their doctoral studies. From the nominations received, the PhD students selected the winners based on the supporting statements submitted.
One female recipient and three male recipients
This year’s awards go to one female researcher and three male researchers who, in their respective fields of research, exemplify a close integration of excellent research with dedicated supervision and support. They are:
Jens Hör, Juniorprofessor at the Centre for Infection Research (ZINF) at the University of Würzburg and at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI). His research focuses on infection biology and RNA-based host-pathogen interactions. His work combines experimental approaches with translational questions concerning infection mechanisms and immune responses. The citation states, amongst other things: “His role is based not on power and control, but on trust, inspiration and respect. I feel really lucky to work in his lab.”
Dr Zoltan Nagy, group leader at the Institute for Experimental Biomedicine I at the Rudolf Virchow Centre for Integrative and Translational Imaging. Together with his Emmy Noether group, he works on imaging and experimental methods in biomedicine. His research focuses on the development and application of modern technologies for investigating biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. He received the award, amongst other reasons, because: “What stands out most is that his support feels genuine. I can clearly sense that he genuinely cares about his students, not only about their academic achievements, but also about their personal development and well-being.”
Dr Karl Petri, head of an Emmy Noether group at the Chair of Cellular Immunotherapy, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II. His research is in the field of cellular immunotherapy. His work focuses on immunological strategies for treating diseases and the further development of innovative therapeutic approaches using T-cells. Petri “is the best supervisor anyone could ask for. He knows how to manage his team and how to bring out the best in a person.”
Mona Garvert, Juniorprofessor of Neuroscience at the University of Würzburg. She investigates the neural mechanisms of learning and decision-making. Her work combines theoretical and experimental approaches in cognitive neuroscience. She received the award for this reason, amongst others: “She is highly reliable, supportive and warm-hearted. She treats us as if we were her peers, despite the significant gap in qualifications and experience.”
