Two Research Teams from HUG and UNIGE Awarded the 2026 Leenaards Scientific Prize

Two research groups from Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) and Université de Genève (UNIGE) have been awarded the 2026 Leenaards Foundation Scientific Prize, with total funding of nearly CHF 1.4 million. The award supports two biomedical research projects conducted in the Lake Geneva region, focusing respectively on hepatitis E and an innovative, non-invasive approach to restoring cognitive function.

Decoding the hepatitis E virus

The first project is led by clinical virologist Isabella Eckerle (HUG / UNIGE), in collaboration with virologist Jérôme Gouttenoire (CHUV / UNIL) and epidemiologist Andrew Azman (HUG / UNIGE).

Their research focuses on genotype 1 of the Hepatitis E virus (HEV-1), which infects more than 20 million people worldwide each year. The disease causes at least 44,000 deaths annually in Africa and Asia, with particularly high mortality rates among pregnant women.

Despite its global impact, treatment options remain limited.
“Our goal is to rapidly identify antiviral candidates so that, in the event of an outbreak, we can provide effective treatments for patients with severe forms of the disease,” explains Isabella Eckerle.

Brain stimulation: a non-invasive breakthrough

The second project is led by neuroscientist Elena Beanato (HUG), in collaboration with Friedhelm Christoph Hummel (EPFL / UNIGE) and Pierre Mégevand (HUG).

The interdisciplinary team is exploring a cutting-edge technique known as transcranial temporal interference stimulation, designed to modulate activity in deep brain regions—particularly the hippocampus—without the need for surgery.

The clinical need is significant: following even mild traumatic brain injury, around 15% of patients experience persistent cognitive impairments beyond six months.

“Simple tasks such as navigating a city, finding one’s way, or remembering familiar routes can become extremely challenging,” explains Elena Beanato.

Current treatment options remain limited, making this non-invasive approach a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes.

Supporting high-impact translational research

Each year, the Leenaards Scientific Prize supports two to three projects in translational biomedical research, with funding of up to CHF 1.4 million. The 2026 edition followed a competitive call for proposals, attracting 27 applications from six institutions.

➡️ Source: Press Release | 📸 ©Leenards Foundation