German Ophthalmological Society’s doctoral award for clinical research goes to Xin Shi

A great honor for Xin Shi, doctoral candidate at the Department of Ophthalmology at Cologne University Hospital: The German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) has awarded him its prestigious doctoral prize for clinical work in recognition of his outstanding scientific commitment in the field of ophthalmology. The award ceremony took place during this year’s DOG Congress in Berlin from September 25 to 28, 2025. Prof. Dr. Oliver Zeitz from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin gave the laudatory speech.

The award-winning dissertation, entitled “NOX and its inflammatory pathways in glaucoma and glaucoma pathogenesis,” deals with how the NOX eye enzyme triggers inflammation through oxidative stress, thereby damaging nerve cells in the retina. These nerve cells, known as retinal ganglion cells, are precisely the cells that die in glaucoma. The work shows that blocking this enzyme can reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells, opening up new approaches for the treatment of glaucoma. The work was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Dr. med. Verena Prokosch, head of the Chair of Glaucoma Diseases at the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, who also leads a project in the SFB 1607 on the lymphatic regulator SVEP1 in the Schlemm’s canal as a therapeutic target in glaucoma.

“This award means a lot to me and is a great motivation to continue my research in ophthalmology,” said Xin Shi at the award ceremony. “I am grateful for the outstanding support of my team and my supervisor.”

Every year, the DOG honors outstanding dissertations that make a significant contribution to research in ophthalmology with its doctoral award. The selection is made by an independent jury of leading scientists in the field.