Michael Baumann Honored with Jens Overgaard Legacy Award at ESTRO 2025

Driven by relentless dedication, bold vision, and a deep desire to make a difference, Professor Michael Baumann’s journey has led to one of the highest honors in the field of radiation oncology—the Jens Overgaard Legacy Award, presented at ESTRO 2025. His story is one of pioneering progress, meaningful mentorship, and a global mission to make cancer care more equitable.

From Baumann’s Humble Beginnings to Scientific Breakthroughs

Michael Baumann’s journey began with a deep curiosity for science and an unwavering commitment to patient care. As a medical student in Hamburg, Germany, he trained under world-renowned mentors Hans-Peter Beck-Bornholdt and Horst Jung, laying the foundation for what would become a decades-long career at the forefront of oncology.

He later pursued postdoctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital under the legendary Dr. Herman D. Suit, where his vision for advancing radiation oncology took clearer shape.

Returning to Germany, Baumann established leading translational research labs in Hamburg and Dresden. His work culminated in the creation of the OncoRay Center and the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Dresden, as well as the successful launch of one of Germany’s first proton therapy centers—all while mentoring a generation of scientists and clinicians.

A Leader for the Future

Since 2016, Baumann has served as the Scientific Director and CEO of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), guiding one of the world’s most comprehensive cancer research institutions. His vision spans the full research spectrum—from molecular discovery to health economics—with a singular goal: translating science into better outcomes for patients.

Yet even with all his accomplishments, one challenge keeps him up at night.

“The biggest issue we face today is ensuring that access to radiation therapy becomes a global reality—not just a privilege for high-income countries,” he shared in a reflective interview at ESTRO 2025.

From training shortages to equipment gaps, many low- and middle-income nations still struggle to provide effective cancer treatment. For Baumann, technology like AI-assisted treatment planning and remote expert support holds promise—if implemented with responsibility, equity, and collaboration.

A Bond Forged Through ESTRO

Baumann’s professional roots are deeply intertwined with ESTRO. Over the years, he has served as Chair of the Education and Training Committee, President of ESTRO, and Editor-in-Chief of The Green Journal. He also helped shape future minds through teaching ESTRO’s Basic Radiobiology Course.

Receiving the Jens Overgaard Legacy Award, named after his mentor and close friend, brought his journey full circle.

“ESTRO has always been my professional family,” Baumann said. “To receive this award, in Jens’s name, at an ESTRO meeting—it means everything.”

He dedicated the honor to those who shaped his journey—his mentors, colleagues, students—and above all, to his wife Bettina, a physician-scientist who stood beside him every step of the way.

OncoDaily x ESTRO: Collaborating Live at ESTRO 2025

This year’s ESTRO conference was also marked by another significant partnership: OncoDaily is proud to serve as the official media partner of ESTRO 2025. The event, held from May 2–6 at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center in Vienna, carries the theme:
“Transformative Innovation Through Partnership.”

The congress represents the heartbeat of global radiation oncology—where groundbreaking science, clinical insights, and technological innovation come together to shape the future of cancer care.

Key Highlights:

• Core Mission: Reinforce radiation oncology’s role in multidisciplinary cancer care and achieve high-value, accessible therapy for all—echoing ESTRO’s 2030 vision: “Radiation Oncology. Optimal Health for All, Together.”

• Focus Areas: Cutting-edge research, early-career engagement, interdisciplinary dialogue, clinical trial updates, and interactive education.

• Exhibition: Europe’s largest radiation oncology industry showcase.

• Goal: To connect professionals, share transformative insights, and engage with the broader medical and societal landscape.

With OncoDaily providing timely coverage and exclusive interviews—including this one with Professor Baumann—global audiences are now more connected than ever to the future of radiation oncology.

A Message of Purpose

Michael Baumann’s legacy is far more than his list of titles and achievements. It is the people he’s mentored, the institutions he’s shaped, and the future he continues to build through collaboration, compassion, and science.

His message resonates with every clinician, researcher, and advocate who walked the halls of ESTRO 2025:

“Our work doesn’t end with discovery. It begins there. The real impact is in how we bring those discoveries to every patient, everywhere.”

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Whether you’re a young researcher, seasoned oncologist, or passionate advocate, your voice matters in the evolution of cancer care.

Join the movement. Mark your calendar for ESTRO 2025.
Let’s shape the future—together.

Follow OncoDaily across platforms for more real-time updates, inspiring stories, and expert insights from global leaders like Michael Baumann. Because cancer care doesn’t stand still—and neither do we.

By: Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau