Celebrating Excellence: Lifetime Achievement Awards at ESTRO 2025

A lifetime of dedication is often measured not just by accolades, but by the deep, lasting impact one has on the lives of others. For Corrie Marijnen, Ben Heijmen, and Vincent Favaudon, that impact has shaped the very foundation of radiation oncology across Europe and beyond. At ESTRO 2025, their legacies were formally recognized with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating careers defined by innovation, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

Corrie Marijnen

A trailblazer in clinical radiation oncology, Prof. Dr. Corrie Marijnen has revolutionized the treatment of rectal cancer through visionary research, tireless mentorship, and bold leadership. Her name is synonymous with groundbreaking clinical trials that have changed global standards of care, improving cure rates and increasing the potential for organ preservation in rectal cancer patients.

She was the driving force behind several practice-changing phase III studies investigating both short-course and long-course neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Her work expanded not only treatment options but also quality of life outcomes for countless patients across Europe and the world.

Corrie’s influence extended far beyond research. As head trainer for radiation oncology specialization at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), an active member of the Dutch Society for Radiotherapy (NRVO), and a dedicated contributor to the ESTRO School and Young ESTRO mentoring program, she has shaped the future of the field through education and mentorship. Generations of clinicians have benefited from her guidance, wisdom, and insistence on excellence.

But perhaps her most lasting contribution lies in her role as a bridge-builder. Corrie championed multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together surgeons, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and medical oncologists. Through her leadership, collaborative research flourished, and patient care reached new heights.

Her voice was not only heard in the clinic but also on the global stage. She delivered lectures at ESMO, numerous international congresses, and gave a much-praised plenary presentation at ASCO 2023, leaving a powerful impression on the international oncology community.

Ben Heijmen

For Ben Heijmen, innovation was never just about technology—it was about impact. A respected medical physicist at Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Ben spent his career developing tools that made radiotherapy smarter, more accurate, and more accessible.

From automated treatment planning to pioneering techniques in image-guided radiation therapy, his work helped ensure that each radiation dose was delivered with the utmost precision and safety. His scientific contributions directly enhanced patient outcomes while also easing the burden on clinical staff.

But Ben’s true legacy may lie in his work as an educator. Through his long-standing role in ESTRO teaching programs, he mentored hundreds of students and professionals, always emphasizing the need for collaboration and clarity in complex science.

“We don’t innovate in isolation. Every discovery must lead back to better care.” – Ben Heijmen

Vincent Favaudon

The discovery that set the oncology world abuzz came from a quiet revolution in a lab: FLASH radiotherapy. And at the center of it was Vincent Favaudon, a visionary research director at Institut Curie.

In 2014, Vincent published a landmark study showing that delivering ultra-high-dose radiation in milliseconds—what became known as the FLASH effect—could spare healthy tissue while still effectively killing cancer cells. That insight opened the door to an entirely new way of thinking about radiotherapy.

Today, FLASH is considered one of the most promising innovations in radiation oncology, and Vincent’s foundational work is cited around the world. His daring approach, meticulous research, and deep understanding of radiation biology continue to inspire a new generation of scientists.

“Radiation has always walked a fine line. With FLASH, we may have found a way to tip the balance toward healing.” – Vincent Favaudon

A Legacy Etched in Hope and Progress

The Lifetime Achievement Awards at ESTRO 2025 were not just a celebration—they were a reminder. A reminder of what is possible when passion meets purpose. Of how research, mentorship, and compassion can change lives. And of the power of individuals to leave a mark so deep, it outlives them.

Corrie, Ben, and Vincent each redefined what it means to serve in oncology. Their stories now stand as beacons—for patients, for scientists, and for the future of cancer care.

Their legacies remind us that behind every breakthrough is a lifetime of dedication.

Keep the Inspiration Going

If stories like these move you—if they remind you why science, care, and compassion matter—then don’t stop here.
Follow OncoDaily for more powerful stories, interviews, and insights from the world of oncology. Because the fight against cancer isn’t just fought in labs or clinics—it’s carried forward in every conversation, every discovery, and every life touched along the way.

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Let’s keep learning, sharing, and honoring those who make a difference.

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