Marie-Catherine Vozenin Honored with Claudius Regaud Award at ESTRO 2025

Life’s most powerful breakthroughs often come from people who dare to challenge convention—and for Dr. Marie-Catherine Vozenin, that courage has redefined how we think about radiation therapy. Her groundbreaking work in radiobiology, particularly in developing FLASH radiotherapy, has not only earned her international recognition, but also the Claudius Regaud Award at ESTRO 2025, one of the highest honors in the field.

A Lifelong Mission Rooted in Science and Compassion

As the Head of the Radiobiology Laboratory at the University Hospital of Geneva and former leader of the radiobiology unit at CHUV Lausanne, Dr. Vozenin has spent decades pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her mission has always been clear: to make radiotherapy more effective and less harmful—to treat the tumor, while protecting the person.

Her journey began with deep curiosity and evolved into a career that blends rigorous science with a relentless commitment to patients. She dove into understanding how normal tissues respond to radiation, especially focusing on the molecular signals that drive long-term side effects like fibrosis. Her early work on the Rho/ROCK pathway shaped new therapeutic targets that could one day prevent these complications.

But her most revolutionary contribution was still to come.

The Spark of Innovation: FLASH Radiotherapy

FLASH radiotherapy isn’t just a technical advance—it’s a paradigm shift. By delivering radiation in ultra-high doses over microseconds, FLASH has shown the ability to reduce damage to healthy tissues while still controlling tumors. Dr. Vozenin led some of the first preclinical studies on this approach, and her results astonished the global oncology community.

What began in the lab quickly drew attention from clinicians, physicists, and global research teams. Her leadership was instrumental in translating this research into early clinical applications, bringing FLASH from concept to real-world potential.

Her peers at ESTRO recognized not only her achievements but also her collaborative spirit, her mentorship of young scientists, and her drive to make science accessible and patient-centered.

“Science can only make a difference when it crosses boundaries—between disciplines, between people, and between ideas and action,” Dr. Vozenin has said. And that’s exactly what she embodies.

A Partnership to Spread Innovation: OncoDaily x ESTRO 2025

This year, OncoDaily is proud to collaborate as an official media partner of ESTRO 2025, amplifying stories like Dr. Vozenin’s and shining a light on the innovation transforming radiation oncology.

The event, held May 2–6, 2025, at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center in Vienna, Austria, is centered around the theme: “Transformative Innovation Through Partnership.” It is the premier gathering for radiation oncology professionals worldwide.

Here, leaders like Dr. Vozenin meet rising stars, technology meets compassion, and science meets global community.

Highlights of ESTRO 2025 include:

• A mission to make high-value radiation therapy accessible to all, in alignment with ESTRO’s 2030 vision: “Radiation Oncology. Optimal Health for All, Together.”

• A program filled with breakthrough research, clinical trial updates, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• A dedicated Young Track to support and inspire early-career professionals.

• Europe’s largest industry exhibition in radiation oncology.

Through the OncoDaily x ESTRO partnership, audiences around the world can follow real-time updates, exclusive interviews, and key insights from the congress, ensuring this transformative dialogue reaches far beyond Vienna.

An Enduring Legacy of Impact

Marie-Catherine Vozenin’s story is more than just a scientific triumph—it is a lesson in persistence, vision, and the courage to reimagine what is possible in cancer care.

Her receipt of the C. Regaud Award at ESTRO 2025 is not just a recognition of past achievements—it’s a beacon for the future of radiotherapy.

In the words of Dr. Vozenin:

“The greatest reward is seeing science save lives.”

And through her work, she continues to do exactly that.

Stay Inspired, Stay Informed

Dr. Marie-Catherine Vozenin’s story reminds us that science saves lives—and it’s people like her who make that possible.

Follow OncoDaily for more powerful stories, expert insights, and live updates from ESTRO 2025.
Together, we’re shaping the future of cancer care.

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