2026 is a special year for the Jung Foundation for Science and Research: the Jung Prize for Medicine is being awarded for the 50th time. Since 1976, the Foundation has honoured researchers whose work is transforming human medicine, opening up new paths in diagnostics and therapy, and making an impact far beyond the moment of recognition.

We are marking this anniversary by looking back on five decades of outstanding research. Above all, however, we are looking ahead: to scientific discoveries that deepen our understanding of disease, improve treatments and create new prospects for patients.

One of the highlights of our anniversary year is a Senate reception hosted by Hamburg’s First Mayor – a special tribute to our laureates and to our commitment to advancing medical research.

In this newsletter, we are therefore especially pleased to invite you to the 6th Jung Symposium “Excellence in Human Medicine 2026”. We also offer insights into our funding programmes for early-career researchers: we introduce the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship holders supported by the Foundation and invite young researchers to apply for the Jung Career Advancement Award for Medical Research.

These questions will be at the heart of the 6th Jung Symposium “Excellence in Human Medicine 2026”, to which we warmly invite you. In the anniversary year of the Jung Prize for Medicine, the symposium reflects what the Foundation has stood for over the past five decades: research that generates new insights, advances medical progress and broadens our understanding of patients’ needs.

Join us on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the Ian K. Karan Lecture Hall, Campus Lehre, Building N55, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, or follow the event via the global livestream from 16:00.