On October 31, 2025, the 52nd Cloëtta Prize ceremony of the Professor Dr Max Cloëtta Foundation took place at ETH Zurich. This year, three outstanding researchers were honoured for their groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Dr Virginie Hamel and Professor Paul Guichard (University of Geneva) were jointly awarded for their pioneering work in the development of Ultrastructural Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM). This innovative imaging technique provides new insights into cellular architecture, particularly into centrioles and cilia, whose dysfunction can lead to diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Their research opens new perspectives for gene therapies and is increasingly being applied in cancer immunotherapy, thereby creating a pioneering link between basic research and clinical medicine.

Professor Nicola Aceto (ETH Zurich) received the prize for his groundbreaking work on the metastasis of cancer cells. He demonstrated the central role of circulating tumour cell clusters (CTC clusters) in the formation of metastases and developed, on this basis, novel therapeutic approaches aimed at their targeted disruption. Initial clinical studies, including in breast cancer patients, have already shown promising results. Through his work, Aceto combines outstanding basic research with tangible clinical perspectives.

The award ceremony was celebrated in a festive event held in the historic and newly restored Semperaula at ETH Zurich. Guests from science and medicine attended the event and used the occasion for both scientific and personal exchange.

With the presentation of the Cloëtta Prize 2025, the Professor Dr Max Cloëtta Foundation once again highlights its commitment to promoting outstanding medical research and strengthening the next generation of scientists in Switzerland.

To accompany the award ceremony, a commemorative brochure was produced, highlighting the prize recipients, their research, and the commitment of the Professor Dr. Max Cloëtta Foundation. The brochure is available online at the following link: Cloëtta Brochure 2025

The Cloëtta Prize 2025 is awarded to a researcher from ETH Zurich and a research duo from the University of Geneva.

Zurich – For the 52nd time, the Professor Dr. Max Cloëtta Foundation is awarding its prestigious prize for medical research. This year, the prize goes to Prof. Nicola Aceto, Professor of Molecular Oncology at ETH Zurich, as well as to Dr. Virginie Hamel and Prof. Paul Guichard, who jointly lead a research group in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Geneva.

The award ceremony is to be held on October 31, 2025, at 5pm at the ETH Zurich.

A comprehensive press release will follow in September 2025.