The Henning Løwenstein Research Award
Henning Løwenstein
Henning Løwenstein contributed significantly to the identification, categorisation, isolation, characterisation, and nomenclature of allergens and allergen components, recombinant allergens, standardization of allergen extracts for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases as well as translation of research understandings into robust clinical trials.
To recognise this outstanding contribution, ALK established and dedicated The Henning Løwenstein Research Award to the researcher Henning Løwenstein on his 25th anniversary of working at the company.
Over the last few decades, allergy has increased in prevalence to become the most common chronic disease in modern societies. The causes for this change remain unclear although they seem to be linked to "modern lifestyle". If left untreated, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis can progress with the development of new sensitisations and co-morbidities e.g., asthma. Furthermore, respiratory allergy has a significant impact on people’s lives and quality of life.
Recent research indicates that there is no simple dose-relationship between allergen exposure and symptoms. Symptom-relieving medication alleviates symptoms but does not prevent increases in the prevalence of allergy or the course of it. Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment that targets the cause, induces immunological tolerance, and prompts disease modification meaning long-term and preventive effect.
ALK awards young scientists for excellence
In ALK, we believe that reinforced efforts in research on the characteristics and treatment of respiratory allergic disease will lead the way for future achievements to the benefit of people – children, adolescents, and adults – living with allergies all over the world. The Henning Løwenstein Research Award is a biannual award given to a young scientist who has shown excellence within the field of allergy. The winner receives a monetary grant* (20,000ドル in 2024) and a travel grant to attend the award ceremony at ALK in Hørsholm, Denmark.
Application guidelines
The call for applications for the Henning Løwenstein Research Award 2025 is closed. Deadline for submission was 15 August 2025.
The award ceremony will be held at ALK in Hørsholm, Denmark, in connection with the Symposium on Specific Allergy (SOSA) 2025 on 13 November 2025.
Please see the application criterion for 2025 below.
- Applicants must be concise, max. 2 pages including essential references, and should describe previous and current research activities
- The applicant’s precise role in these activities must be clearly stated
- The applicant’s curriculum vitae must also be enclosed, max. 2 pages
- Applicants should be early in their academic career, within 10 years of their PhD (or equivalent degree), and should not be considered an established scientist, i.e., head of department, professor, etc.
An international Scientific Board will evaluate the applications. The members in 2025 are:
- Prof.Stephen Durham, Chairman of the award, England
- Dr. Henning Løwenstein, Honorary of the award, Denmark
- Prof. Stephen Till, England
- Prof. Mark Larche, Canada
- Prof. Motohiro Ebisawa, Japan
- Prof. Natalija Novak, Germany
- Prof. Jing Li, China
Previous award ceremonies and winners
2024: Kelly Bruton, Stanford University, United States of America
2021: Julia Esser-von Bieren, Technical University, Munich, Germany
2019: Kornel Golebski, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2015: Stefanie Eyerich, Technical University and Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany
2013: Bianca Schaub, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
2011: Zoulfia Allakhverdi, University of Montreal, Canada, and Natalija Novak, University of Bonn, Germany
2009: Stephen J Till, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
2007: Barbara Bohle, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
2005: Omid Akbari, Harvard University, United States of America
2004: Christopher Lynn Kepley, Commonwealth University of Virginia, United States of America
2003: Erika Ganglberger, University of Vienna, Austria
2002: Miriam Fleur Moffatt, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
2001: Eckard Hamelmann, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Germany
2000: Mark Larché, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
* If the winner is from a country where local legislation or medicolegal regulation prevents the transfer of monetary awards from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare professionals, and in the case that the selected winner is a healthcare professional, the award is substituted by a travel grant or an educational grant of corresponding value. The grant is managed by ALK A/S and specified payment can only be given in the form of tickets or refund of tickets for a scientific or educational purpose, which is in agreement with the medicolegal regulation in that country. Accepted purposes could be transportation to a scientific congress or educational event, registration fees, educational charges or accommodation. ALK will ensure that each purpose is in agreement with the regulation in that particular country.