Brainlab and Professor Cordula Petersen, MD Congratulate ZEISS Microscopy for Winning the German Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology 2022

Stefan Vilsmeier and Claus Promberger from Brainlab, a leader in the field of digital medical technology, and Professor Cordula Petersen, MD, Director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and president of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO), congratulate ZEISS Microscopy for winning the Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology 2022.

“The ZEISS Microscopy team presented a truly outstanding project that will significantly advance basic research in biology and medicine,” said Stefan Vilsmeier, CEO and President of Brainlab. “Nonetheless, tonight we also recognize the power and potential of ExacTrac Dynamic® for treating patients with lung cancer and other forms of cancer. We are honored to be included in the Circle of Excellence and are highly motivated to continue developing new and innovative solutions for patients.”

Stefan Vilsmeier, Claus Promberger and Dr. Petersen were nominated for the Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology 2022 for ExacTrac Dynamic technology. ExacTrac Dynamic technology tracks patients with various types of tumors during radiation therapy. With this technology, real-time data is used to verify the position of the tumor and deliver radiation with submillimetric precision. During treatment, the radiation beam can be controlled based on the position of the tumor making it possible to effectively destroy tumor tissue while sparing healthy tissue. The system enables significantly faster treatment delivery with fewer subsequent side effects compared to standard radiotherapy treatments.

For the development of this groundbreaking technology, Stefan Vilsmeier and Claus Promberger remain in close contact with medical professionals that use this approach in their everyday clinical practices. Dr. Petersen and her team at the UKE provide regular feedback and, based on their considerable experience with stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy, advance the practical implementation of ExacTrac Dynamic®, especially in novel treatment areas.

“Receiving this nomination in itself is a great honor for the ExacTrac Dynamic team,” said Dr. Petersen. “The nomination also draws attention to the field of radiation oncology and reinforces the impact radiation therapy can make when it comes to treatment for oncology patients.”

The German Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology has been awarded annually for over 25 years and honors individuals who invent, develop and successfully implement outstanding solutions that have a strong and positive impact on the future. Every year, three teams are nominated for the award, following a multi-stage selection process led by a jury comprised of independent industry experts from the fields of science and medicine. To be selected as the winner, the technology must meet specific criteria and, in particular, display a high level of scientific and technical innovation, marketability and breadth of application. In addition, the jury also takes into consideration the technology’s potential to create future jobs and contribute to sustainable value creation for the company. The German Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology is worth €250,000.