Siegfried Czapski Publication Prize 2025

The Siegfried Czapski Publication Prize for outstanding publications by doctoral candidates within the Jena Alliance of Graduate Schools was awarded for the fourth time on November 26 as part of the LIFE Symposium. The winner is the doctoral candidate Matteo Calvarese from the Leibniz-IPHT, who received the prize for his outstanding publication in the journal Science Advances. It addresses one of the most urgent challenges in oncology: how to achieve precise intraoperative tumor detection and tissue-preserving surgery. By combining photonics, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine, the publication marks a significant advance in interdisciplinary science at the interface between the University's LIGHT and LIFE profiles.

In this work, the authors present the first rigid multimodal nonlinear endomicroscope that integrates three complementary imaging modalities (CARS, TPEF, and SHG) into a compact clinical platform. Deep learning based analysis enables reliable, automated detection of malignant tissue with a diagnostic sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 96%. Importantly, the study goes beyond diagnostics by incorporating femtosecond laser ablation, thus realizing a novel “seek and treat” paradigm where cancerous tissue can be identified and selectively removed within the same device. This combination of label free chemical imaging, AI driven data interpretation, and precision laser therapy sets a new benchmark for translational optical technologies in surgery.

The project is a strong example of interdisciplinary excellence, bringing together expertise from photonics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, clinical medicine, and industry partners. It embodies the vision of Siegfried Czapski by transforming fundamental advances in optics into solutions with profound societal and medical impact.

Mr. Matteo Calvarese, first author and PhD candidate, played a decisive role in this publication. He was responsible for implementing the complete imaging and ablation platform including the optical design, laser integration, detection scheme, electronics, and control software. He conducted the preclinical experiments, processed the multimodal imaging data, and developed the AI guided ablation workflow that represents the key innovation of this study. His ability to bridge disciplines and translate photonic innovation into biomedical application demonstrates outstanding scientific talent and leadership at an early career stage.

This publication has attracted wide international attention, both within the scientific community and in public media (including MDR television). Its significance lies not only in its methodological innovation but also in its transformative potential for clinical oncology, where it could reduce re-operations, preserve vital functions, and improve patient outcomes.

This work exemplifies the interdisciplinary spirit, scientific excellence, and translational impact that the Siegfried Czapski Publication Prize seeks to honor. Mr. Matteo Calvarese’s central contribution to this highly innovative research strongly supports his nomination for this award.

The prize, funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, is endowed with 2,000 euros.

Publication: Matteo Calvarese et al.: Endomicroscopic AI-driven morphochemical imaging and fs-laser ablation for selective tumor identification and selective tissue removal. Sci. Adv.10, eado9721(2024). DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ado9721