Otto Loewi Memorial Lecture 2026: Metabolism researcher Juleen Zierath

The Otto Loewi Memorial Lecture was established in 2006 to mark the 70th anniversary of Otto Loewi’s Nobel Prize. Every two years, Med Uni Graz presents this prestigious distinction to highly renowned researchers from various medical fields.

This week, the world-renowned metabolic researcher Juleen Zierath was a guest at the Medical University of Graz as part of the Otto Loewi Memorial Lecture. Following opening remarks by Rector Andrea Kurz, Gerald Lamprecht, Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Graz, gave an overview of the life and work of Otto Loewi. Akos Heinemann, Vice Rector of Research at the Medical University of Graz, chaired the programme and introduced Juleen Zierath, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the University of Copenhagen, as well as a member of the Nobel Prize Committee for Physiology or Medicine. 

Juleen Zierath devoted her lecture to the molecular signalling pathways of insulin sensitivity and muscle maintenance in type 2 diabetes. She impressively demonstrated how physical activity and insulin signals interact to regulate glucose uptake and protect skeletal muscle. One of her key messages was that regular exercise acts simultaneously at several molecular levels – it increases insulin sensitivity, influences circadian metabolism and contributes significantly to the maintenance of muscle function.

The audience was visibly impressed by the dynamic and inspiring presentation. The get-together that followed provided ample opportunity for discussion and networking.