On Wednesday 10 July, Dr Mina Tsenkova was awarded the Rolf Tarrach Prize 2024 for her doctoral thesis entitled “Understanding the Role of Diet and Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer”. The Uni.lu graduate, who is currently a post-doctoral assistant at Amgen in California, received the award at a ceremony held at the Chamber of Commerce.
“My recent transition a postdoctoral researcher in the biopharmaceutical sector has really showed me that the training I received and skills I have had the fortune to develop here at the University are highly useful and translatable to other research contexts”, highlighted Dr Mina Tsenkova during the ceremony. “The University of Luxembourg has ideally prepared me for a smooth start to my career in all aspects, providing me with far more than just knowledge and technical expertise. Although doing a PhD is very challenging, it has proved to be highly worthwhile when supported by an outstanding mentor, incredible co-workers, and a strong and supportive research institution.”
“I am overjoyed and immensely proud as a supervisor to see my former PhD student, Dr Mina Tsenkova, receive the best thesis award”, said Prof. Elisabeth Letellier, heading the Molecular Disease Mechanisms group at the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine. “This outstanding achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and it also underscores the exceptional quality and academic excellence of the research conducted.”
Organised by Les Amis de l’Université du Luxembourg, the Rolf Tarrach Prize has been awarded since 2012 for the best doctoral thesis at Uni.lu. It is valued at €10,000 and is supported by the Luis y Antonio Portabella Foundation and Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management Luxembourg.
An eye on Luxembourg’s development
The evening was also marked by the presence of Jean-Jacques Rommes, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of Fondation IDEA and a member of the UEL Board of Directors. The guest speaker shared his vision after three decades of experience in the financial sector during a conference entitled “Growing the Dwarf – Luxembourg’s Path from Poverty to Congestion”.
Dr Gérard Hoffmann, the new Chairman of the Les Amis de l’Université du Luxembourg, welcomed the guests and thanked the long-standing sponsors: the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, the University of Luxembourg and the two sponsors of the prize. Participants were also able to hear the conclusions of the Vice-Rector for Partnerships and International Relations, Prof. Marie-Hélène Jobin, before a closing cocktail.
Photo: from left to right: Marc Flammang (CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management Luxembourg), Dr Gérard Hoffmann (Chairman of Les Amis de l’Université du Luxembourg), Dr Mina Tsenkova (prizewinner), Prof. Rolf Tarrach (former rector), Alexandra Da Silva (Vice-President of Luis y Antonio Portabella Foundation) © Les Amis de l’Université du Luxembourg
