Jury report for Prof. C.G. (Carl) Figdor

Scientific director Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, professor Experimental Immunology Radboud University Nijmegen and professor Cell Biophysics University of Twente.

Professor Figdor receives the NWO/Spinoza Prize 2006 for his groundbreaking research into the use of immune cells against cancer and for how he translates fundamental research into patient care.

Carl FigdorCarl Figdor (26 June 1953,'s Hertogenbosch) obtained his degree in biology with distinction from Utrecht University in 1979. In 1982 he gained his doctorate at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, where he worked until 1994. In 1992 he was appointed as a professor at the University of Twente. In 1994 he was appointed as a professor at the Radboud University Nijmegen, where he has also been scientific director of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences since 2001.

Carl Figdor is one of the world leaders in the area of immunotherapy for cancer. Not only does he investigate cell biology phenomena at a fundamental level, but he always explores the potential applications in medicine as well. In 2000 Figdor discovered the DC-SIGN receptor protein. This protein plays an important role in the binding and uptake of the HIV-1 virus in dendritic cells, cell types which are indispensable for an adequate immune response. Like a Trojan horse these infected dendritic cells contribute to the further spread of the disease. His first two publications about this in the journal Cell have been cited 1000 times to date and were the inspiration for about 400 articles from around the globe about this molecule.

He was one of the first in the world to use dendritic cell therapy in patients. In this approach dendritic cells are modified in the laboratory such that they can teach a patient's immune system to recognise tumour cells. If these cells are placed back in the patient they locate the tumour and attack this. Figdor recently demonstrated that the trained dendritic cells do not achieve the intended objective in half of the patients, which partly clarifies the variable success of dendritic cell therapy.

As well as almost 250 publications and more than 20 book and proceedings contributions, the immunologist has eleven patents to his name. Furthermore he is a much sought after speaker at congresses. His presentations are consistently original, entertaining and clear.

Carl Figdor played an important role in the founding of the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, which under his leadership has become an institute of excellence with world fame aspirations. As director and inspiring leader of this institute he has won considerable respect both nationally and internationally.
Figdor also motivates and inspires researchers from outside his own groups. His ability to empathise with the perceptions of clinical researchers commands respect on all sides.

Carl Figdor's career is that of a rising star. The jury is therefore convinced that he can further expand his research area and also develop new lines of research. He is a passionate, stimulating mentor, who provides his researchers with the space they need for creative research. Three of his researchers have themselves become professors. The jury expects that with his NWO/Spinoza Prize, Figdor will bring the best researchers to his institute and thereby further develop its stature.

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This jury report served as the basis for the speech given by Prof. Ad Bax at the announcement ceremony for the NWO/Spinoza prizes 2006 on 12 June 2006.