Celebrating Excellence in Radiation Oncology: Dirk Verellen, Michael Baumann, and Anne Valkenburg Honored at ESTRO 2025

Behind the data and precision of oncology lies a deeper truth: progress is driven by people—those with passion, persistence, and purpose. At ESTRO 2025, three remarkable individuals—Dirk Verellen, Michael Baumann, and Anne Valkenburg—were honored for their extraordinary contributions to radiation oncology. Their stories remind us that advancement in medicine is, above all, a profoundly human journey.

When Curiosity Becomes a Calling: Dirk Verellen

Growing up in Belgium, Dirk Verellen was fascinated by the laws of physics. He earned a PhD in solid-state science—but it wasn’t until he stepped into the world of medical physics that his work took on a new dimension: saving lives.

At UZ Brussel, Dirk found what he calls his “playground for innovation,” developing early systems in image-guided radiotherapy long before they were mainstream. It was a time of exploration, when textbooks didn’t yet exist and solutions had to be invented.

“The challenge wasn’t just solving problems—it was creating solutions that didn’t yet exist,” he recalls.

Later, at the Iridium Network in Antwerp, Verellen turned his attention toward access and equality, working to ensure every patient—regardless of background—could benefit from cutting-edge radiotherapy. Now, he’s focused on integrating automation and AI while maintaining patient safety and human connection at the heart of care.

He has been deeply involved in ESTRO throughout his career, chairing teaching courses, serving on the board, and launching the Physics Workshops. But receiving the Emmanuel van der Schueren Award marked a deeply personal milestone.

“This award reflects not only my work, but the strength of the teams I’ve been privileged to work with,” he said, dedicating the honor to his life partner Chris, his patients, his colleagues, and his late mentor, Prof. Dr. Guy Storme.

A Legacy of Leadership: Michael Baumann

From a curious medical student in Hamburg to one of the most influential voices in oncology, Professor Michael Baumann’s journey has been shaped by bold vision, scientific rigor, and deep compassion.

He trained under pioneers like Hans-Peter Beck-Bornholdt and Horst Jung before heading to Massachusetts General Hospital to work with Dr. Herman Suit. That experience laid the groundwork for a career that would transform German oncology.

Back home, Baumann founded the OncoRay Center and Germany’s first proton therapy center, all while mentoring a generation of researchers and clinicians. As CEO of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) since 2016, he has led one of the world’s most impactful cancer institutions—driving progress across research, policy, and clinical care.

But one concern remains close to his heart:

“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 believes AI-assisted planning and remote support can bridge this gap—if deployed with care and equity.

For Baumann, receiving the Jens Overgaard Legacy Award was more than symbolic—it was personal. Overgaard was not just a mentor, but a friend.

“To receive this award, in Jens’s name, at an ESTRO meeting—it means everything,” he said, dedicating the honor to his wife Bettina, also a physician-scientist, and to the many people who shaped his path.

A Rising Star in Brachytherapy: Anne Valkenburg

For Anne Valkenburg, a radiation oncologist in training at Maastro Clinic in the Netherlands, this year’s ESTRO meeting marked a turning point.

She received the GEC-ESTRO Best Junior Presentation Award for her innovative work on standardizing high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for rectal cancer. Her research—focused on defining target volumes and organ-at-risk boundaries—offers critical guidelines that could reduce variability and improve treatment outcomes across institutions.

But her ambitions go further.

Anne is now leading a dose-reporting project that aims to support development of tumor control and complication probability models—tools that help personalize and refine therapy. She’s also testing the newly developed Maastro Applicator, a promising device that may offer patients an alternative to external beam radiotherapy, with improved tissue preservation.

“Rectal brachytherapy is underused,” she explained. “But with clearer guidelines and tools, we can make it a valuable part of standard care.”

When asked what the award meant to her, Anne responded with humility:

“I feel honoured.” She credited her mentors, Evert van Limbergen and Maaike Berbée, for guiding her journey and shaping her career.

Carrying the Future Forward

Dirk Verellen. Michael Baumann. Anne Valkenburg. Three names at different stages of the professional journey—but united by a common thread: the desire to use science, innovation, and compassion to make a difference in cancer care.

Their recognition at ESTRO 2025 is more than a celebration of personal achievement. It is a reminder that progress in medicine isn’t just about technology or technique—it’s about people, purpose, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Stay Connected to the Heart of Oncology

Behind every clinical breakthrough are people whose stories deserve to be told—stories that inspire, challenge, and move us forward. If these journeys resonated with you, follow OncoDaily for more conversations that go beyond the science—into the lives, values, and vision of those shaping the future of cancer care.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep listening. And let’s keep honoring the people who make progress possible.