Christopher Skopnik Receives Avrion Mitchison Prize
Award for Researcher from DRFZ and Charité
Dr. Christopher Skopnik was awarded the Avrion Mitchison Prize for his work on the role of CD8 T cells in lupus nephritis. During his doctoral research, he investigated how inflammatory signaling molecules activate pathogenic T cells in the kidney and thereby contribute to tissue damage in lupus nephritis.
Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Philipp Enghard at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the DRFZ, he identified type I interferons and IL-15 as key triggers of pathogenic T-cell responses. This research recently resulted in a publication in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Avrion Mitchison Prize
In honor of its founding director Avrion Mitchison, the DRFZ annually awards the Avrion Mitchison Prize to young scientists. The award recognizes publications or dissertations that make a significant contribution to the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
The Avrion Mitchison Prize is endowed with 3,000 euros. Since 2019, the prize has been sponsored by the DRFZ.
Award Ceremony on World Arthritis Day
The award was granted at the DRFZ on October 12, 2026, as part of World Rheumatism Day. Philipp Enghard gave the laudatory speech.
