Henning Løwenstein Research Award

Young scientists

The Henning Løwenstein Research Award

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Henning Løwenstein

Henning Løwenstein contributed significantly to the identification, categorisation, isolation, characterisation, and nomenclature of allergens and allergen components, recombinant allergens, standardization of allergen extracts for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases as well as translation of research understandings into robust clinical trials.

To recognise this outstanding contribution, ALK established and dedicated The Henning Løwenstein Research Award to the researcher Henning Løwenstein on his 25th anniversary of working at the company.

Allergy is on the rise affecting people’s lives

Over the last few decades, allergy has increased in prevalence to become the most common chronic disease in modern societies. The causes for this change remain unclear although they seem to be linked to “modern lifestyle”. If left untreated, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis can progress with the development of new sensitisations and co-morbidities e.g., asthma. Furthermore, respiratory allergy has a significant impact on people’s lives and quality of life.

Recent research indicates that there is no simple dose-relationship between allergen exposure and symptoms. Symptom-relieving medication alleviates symptoms but does not prevent increases in the prevalence of allergy or the course of it. Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment that targets the cause, induces immunological tolerance, and prompts disease modification meaning long-term and preventive effect.

ALK awards young scientists for excellence

In ALK, we believe that reinforced efforts in research on the characteristics and treatment of respiratory allergic disease will lead the way for future achievements to the benefit of people – children, adolescents, and adults – living with allergies all over the world. The Henning Løwenstein Research Award is a biannual award given to a young scientist who has shown excellence within the field of allergy. The winner receives a monetary grant* (€20,000 in 2024) and a travel grant to attend the award ceremony at ALK in Hørsholm, Denmark.

Application guidelines

Next call for applications will be posted here.

Application criterion (in 2024)

Applicants must be concise, max. 2 pages including essential references, and should describe previous and current research activities
The applicant’s precise role in these activities must be clearly stated
The applicant’s curriculum vitae must also be enclosed, max. 2 pages
Applicants should be early in their academic career, within 10 years of their PhD (or equivalent degree), and should not be considered an established scientist, i.e., head of department, professor, etc.

Evaluation

An international Scientific Board will evaluate the applications. The members in 2024 are:

Dr. Henning Løwenstein, Owner and chairman of the award, Denmark
Prof. Stephen Durham, United Kingdom
Prof. Lars K. Poulsen, Denmark
Prof. Harald Renz, Germany
Prof. Stephen Till, United Kingdom
Prof. Anne Tsicopoulus, France
Prof. Margitta Worm, Germany

Previous award ceremonies and winners

The Henning Løwenstein Research Award

2024: Kelly Bruton, Stanford University, United States of America

2021: Julia Esser-von Bieren, Technical University, Munich, Germany

The ARIA-EUFOREA Henning Løwenstein Research Award

2019: Kornel Golebski, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The WAO Henning Løwenstein Research Award

2015: Stefanie Eyerich, Technical University and Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany

2013: Bianca Schaub, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany

2011: Zoulfia Allakhverdi, University of Montreal, Canada, and Natalija Novak, University of Bonn, Germany

2009: Stephen J Till, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom

2007: Barbara Bohle, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

The Henning Løwenstein Research Award

2005: Omid Akbari, Harvard University, United States of America

2004: Christopher Lynn Kepley, Commonwealth University of Virginia, United States of America

2003: Erika Ganglberger, University of Vienna, Austria

2002: Miriam Fleur Moffatt, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

2001: Eckard Hamelmann, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Germany

2000: Mark Larché, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom

* If the winner is from a country where local legislation or medicolegal regulation prevents the transfer of monetary awards from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare professionals, and in the case that the selected winner is a healthcare professional, the award is substituted by a travel grant or an educational grant of corresponding value. The grant is managed by ALK A/S and specified payment can only be given in the form of tickets or refund of tickets for a scientific or educational purpose, which is in agreement with the medicolegal regulation in that country. Accepted purposes could be transportation to a scientific congress or educational event, registration fees, educational charges or accommodation. ALK will ensure that each purpose is in agreement with the regulation in that particular country.