Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Weltmann and Prof. Dr. Thomas von Woedtke from the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) received the Plasma Physics Innovation Award from the European Physical Society (EPS). They were honoured for their internationally significant pioneering work in the field of plasma medicine and for the successful transfer of research and development results into medical applications.
The two scientists from the Leibniz Institute consider the Plasma Physics Innovation Award a great honour, but above all recognition of the successful interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists at the INP. "About 10 years ago, we decided to combine the traditionally strong fields of plasma physics and medicine in our research. At that time, the new field of plasma medicine was still in its infancy worldwide. This award confirms that our decision was the right one," explained Weltmann, Director of the INP in Greifswald. "Today, Greifswald is internationally recognised as the centre for plasma medicine research," he added. This is also reflected in the world's first professorship for plasma medicine, which has been held by Greifswald pharmacist Thomas von Woedtke since July 2011. The appointment to the University Medical Centre Greifswald was made in cooperation with the INP Greifswald. Von Woedtke also works here as scientific director of the plasma medicine research programme.
In May 2013, basic research at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, in collaboration with the University Medical Centre Greifswald, Charité Berlin and several industrial partners, led to the successful introduction of the kINPen MED plasma device in medicine. The medical device developed at the INP was thus the world's first plasma jet approved for use on patients. Plasma therapy, which kills pathogens and stimulates cell healing processes, began its triumphant advance in Greifswald. The kINPen MED is now used throughout Germany and in parts of Europe in clinics and practices for the treatment of chronic wounds and infectious skin diseases. Even chronically therapy-resistant wounds, some with MRSA colonisation, can heal under plasma treatment, and MRSA pathogens are killed – a successful transfer of research results into practice with great application potential.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the city of Greifswald, the INP has established itself internationally as a leader in the field of plasma medicine. Plasma medicine research at the institute is currently focused on optimising and expanding plasma devices. Based on the research results, further medical applications in dermatology, dentistry, internal medicine and tumour therapy are being developed in addition to plasma application for wound healing and the treatment of infectious skin diseases.
The Plasma Physics Innovation Award:
The prize is awarded for outstanding innovations in plasma physics at the 43rd EPS Conference on Plasma Physics, which will take place this year from 4 to 8 July in Leuven (Belgium). The series of events is organised by the Plasma Physics Division of the EPS and covers the entire field of plasma physics, from low-temperature plasmas to nuclear fusion research. Since 2008, the Plasma Physics Innovation Award has been presented annually at this conference to recognise internationally outstanding achievements and exceptional innovations in the field of plasma research. The European Physical Society (EPS) is an association of 42 physical societies in Europe based in Mulhouse (France).
The Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP Greifswald):
Research and development from idea to prototype – With more than 165 scientists, engineers and other specialists, the INP in Greifswald is one of Europe's leading non-university research institutions for low-temperature plasmas, their f
