HIPOLE Jena congratulates Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert and his research team on receiving the Thuringian Research Award 2026 in the category of Applied Research.
On 27 October 2026, Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, Prof. Dr. Anja Träger, Prof. Dr. Michael Bauer, and Prof. Dr. Adrian T. Press were honoured for their innovative research on polymer-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The award ceremony took place at the Stadtschloss Weimar.
The interdisciplinary research team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Jena University Hospital has developed a novel technology that enables pharmaceutical substances to be transported specifically to targeted organs and cells.
The approach uses specially designed dyes that act as molecular address labels, guiding nanoparticles to specific locations in the body while allowing researchers to track their distribution. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this technology for targeted drug delivery, particularly in the treatment of sepsis.
The research was advanced through the Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1278 PolyTarget, led by Prof. Schubert, and contributed to the establishment of the spin-off company SmartDyeLivery GmbH. The technology has since progressed to clinical development, with a first drug candidate already undergoing clinical trials in humans.
HIPOLE Jena warmly congratulates Prof. Schubert and the entire research team on this outstanding achievement and recognition of their scientific work!
