The recently launched Goldman Prize complements the Rowley Prize as a clinical equivalent by recognising lifetime contributions to the management of patients with CML. From the nominations for the Goldman Prize the iCMLf Directors selected Dr Rüdiger Hehlmann as the recipient for 2014. The decision was made due to the incredibly important contributions he made that have improved the outcomes for CML patients globally.

As one of the leading CML scientists in Europe Prof Hehlmann was strongly committed to the creation of international CML study groups and networks to foster international research cooperation.

He was founder of the German CML study Group and cofounder of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) that established common standards and guidelines for the treatment of leukemia across Europe. He was also President and Secretary General of the International Association for Comparative Research and Leukemia and Related Diseases (IACRLRD).

Professor Hehlmann is working as Professor of Medicine at the University of Heidelberg in Germany since 1988 where he also used to be Director of Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum in Mannheim. After his medical university education in Marburg, Freiburg, Edinburgh and Munich he started his research work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry in Munich and later worked as Research Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Rochester and the Columbia University in New York.

“I feel honoured. As a friend of John Goldman I accept this prize with some sadness”, said Professor Hehlmann when he was notified of his nomination. The Goldman Prize will be awarded to Professor Hehlmann at the International CML meeting in Philadelphia in September this year where he will give a keynote lecture.