SUND researcher receives major prize for his innovative cancer research and use of AI

Cancer Researcher and Surgeon Ismail Gögenur, who is a professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND), University of Copenhagen, receives this year’s Marie and August Krogh Prize. The Prize of DKK 1.5 million is awarded by the Organization of Danish Medical Societies (LVS) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

“This means so much to me. Researchers are constantly self-reflecting and striving for optimal results for patients. The fact that our initiatives are being noticed and recognised by the Organization of Danish Medical Societies, which is accustomed to reviewing excellent research, is a huge pat on the back for the whole team,” says Ismail Gögenur.

The Marie and August Krogh Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding health researcher in Denmark. The recipient receives DKK 1.5 million, comprising a personal award of DKK 250,000 and a research grant of DKK 1.25 million. Ismail Gögenur receives the Prize for his work on personalised treatment focussing on patients’ risk of morbidity and recurrence after undergoing cancer surgery and his use of artificial intelligence.

Ismail Gögenur is a Professor at the University of Copenhagen and Senior Consultant with the Department of Surgery at the Zealand University Hospital in Køge. He is the founder of the Center for Surgical Science (CSS), a research unit with about 50 full-time employees, an independent research laboratory and a data science unit.

“Does daring to think differently and innovatively in treating patients enable us to react more rapidly and more effectively to their needs?” asks Ismail Gögenur.

In his research, Ismail Gögenur focusses on the entire patient journey to integrate the insights contributed by many disciplines. 

“We must harness the synergy between the competencies we each have as surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, anaesthesiologists and oncologists. Being able to collaborate is essential to be successful,” he says and adds:

“It is almost touching to experience how much energy is released when we grasp that multidisciplinary spark.”

Read about Ismail Gögenur’s research here (the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s website).