Celebrating Success at the DGfI AK Vakzine Conference!

We’re excited to share that Estel won the Best Talk Award at this year’s DGfI AK Vakzine Conference for presenting our first insights into drug–vaccine interactions in human tonsil organoids — a central pillar of our ERC‑funded OrAIOn project.

Estel accepting her award from Luka Cicin-Sain

At the Wimmers Lab, we investigate how the immune system responds when challenged by both cancer and infection, using systems biology tools, AI‑driven analysis, and human organoid models to uncover mechanisms that were previously inaccessible. Our tonsil organoid platform — designed to mimic lymph‑node‑like vaccine responses — allows us to systematically study how a broad range of cancer therapies shape or impair immune activation. This approach supports our long‑term goal of improving vaccine protection for cancer patients. Estel’s talk impressed the scientific committee and highlighted the first functional readouts from these organoid‑based assays - showcasing how specific oncology drugs can modulate early B‑cell activation and antibody formation.

The conference also featured a lively pub quiz testing immunology knowledge, scientific trivia, and some left‑field logic puzzles. We’re proud that another member of the Wimmers Lab, Sina, secured second place, showcasing not just scientific expertise, but also quick thinking and team spirit.