The 2024 Award of the San Salvatore Foundation, Lugano, has been granted on May 24, 2025, in Lugano to
Professor Laurence Zitvogel and to Professor Petr Cejka
The prize consists of an amount of 50'000.00 Swiss Francs each.
Professor Laurence Zitvogel
Motivation for the 2024 Award
In recognition of your pioneering contributions to the field of tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, including the discovery of immunogenic cell death, the role of microbiota in regulating antitumor immunity, and your impactful translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications, which have significantly advanced the development of innovative cancer therapies.
We have the honor of celebrating a luminary in the field of tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, Professor Laurence Zitvogel. Since 2000, Prof. Zitvogel has been a trailblazer at Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, in Paris where she has led the INSERM U1015 Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy. Over her distinguished career, she has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of immune mechanisms in cancer treatment, particularly the interaction between immunotherapy, microbiota, and tumor biology.
Prof. Zitvogel’s journey in oncology began with her MD and PhD in Immunology from the University of Paris, followed by a pioneering postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Her early work laid the foundation for the groundbreaking discovery of immunogenic cell death, which revealed how chemotherapy and radiotherapy can engage the immune system in combating cancer. She has since expanded her research into the role of the gut microbiota in antitumor immunity, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Her exceptional achievements include the identification of biomarkers and innovative therapeutic strategies, such as combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with microbiota-targeted approaches.
Prof. Zitvogel’s scholarship is extraordinary, with over 500 publications and an H-index of 153. She has been recognized as a highly cited researcher for seven consecutive years and has received numerous accolades, including the Léopold Griffuel Prize, the Baillet-Latour Prize, and the Bob Pinedo Award.
In addition to her research, Prof. Zitvogel has demonstrated exemplary leadership as a coordinator of major EU and national programs, such as the RHU IMMUNOLIFE and the H2020 ONCOBIOME projects. She has also co-founded the biotech company everImmune, advancing microbiota-based cancer therapies.
Beyond her scientific endeavors, Prof. Zitvogel has been a passionate mentor, guiding the next generation of oncologists and immunologists. Her commitment to education, collaboration, and innovation continues to inspire and shape the global oncology community.
Today, as we honor Professor Laurence Zitvogel, we celebrate not only her exceptional contributions to cancer research but also her profound impact on patient care through transformative discoveries. Her pioneering work exemplifies the spirit of scientific innovation, bridging basic research and clinical application to improve outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.
Professor Petr Cejka
Motivation for the 2024 Award
In recognition of your groundbreaking research in the field of DNA repair mechanisms, particularly your elucidation of the molecular processes of DNA end resection and homologous recombination, which have significantly advanced our understanding of genome stability and its implications in cancer biology.
It is our privilege to recognize Prof. Petr Cejka, a leading expert in the field of DNA epair and genome stability. Currently a Full Professor at the Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano and a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Bellinzona. Prof. Cejka has dedicated his career to uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind DNA double-strand break repair, an essential process for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing cancer.
Prof. Cejka’s groundbreaking work has shed light on the intricate enzymatic processes of DNA end resection and homologous recombination, fundamentally advancing our understanding of DNA repair pathways. His pioneering research has resulted in over 90 high-impact publications, with numerous articles featured in prestigious journals such as Nature and Molecular Cell. His discoveries have not only provided critical insights into basic molecular biology but have also paved the way for potential therapeutic applications in oncology.
Prof. Cejka’s contributions extend beyond research, as he is a dedicated mentor and educator, having trained a new generation of scientists who are now making their mark globally.
His lab has secured substantial competitive funding from esteemed organizations such as the European Research Council, Swiss National Science Foundation, and Swiss Cancer League, reflecting the importance and excellence of his work.
As an EMBO member and recipient of accolades such as the Friedrich Miescher Award, Prof. Cejka exemplifies scientific innovation and leadership. His continuous efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of genome stability have far-reaching implications for cancer treatment and human health.
We celebrate Prof. Petr Cejka for his outstanding achievements and his unwavering dedication to advancing our understanding of DNA repair and its role in disease prevention. Through his visionary work, Prof. Cejka has not only transformed our understanding of fundamental biology but has also inspired hope for future therapeutic breakthroughs.