Prof. Jens Juul Holst awarded the 2026 Lipid Science Prize for his pioneering research on GLP-1 and its biological functions

Lund, Sweden – 10 February 2026 – Camurus Lipid Research Foundation – Kåre Larsson och Gunnar Sandbergs forskningsstiftelse – announced today that the 2026 Lipid Science Prize is awarded to Professor Jens Juul Holst at the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dr. Jens Juul Holst receives the award in recognition of his significant contributions to the discovery and characterisation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This gastrointestinal hormone has been shown to be essential in stimulating insulin release, regulating blood glucose levels, and influencing both appetite and food intake. Jens Juul Holst has also been actively engaged in the development of novel pharmaceuticals, collaborating with colleagues to pioneer new treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity—therapies that now benefit millions of people worldwide.

The Lipid Science Prize, including an award of SEK 500 000, will be presented to Professor Jens Juul Holst at a ceremony during the Annual Lipid Science Symposium on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at Hypoteket in Lund, Sweden.

In addition to the main prize, two junior researchers will also be honoured at this event: Dr. Milka Doktorova from Stockholm University and Dr. Jon Pallbo Arvidsson of Lund University, Sweden.

Previous distinguished winners of the Lipid Science Prize include Professor Stephen Hyde, Australia; Professor Erich Sackmann, Germany; Professor Katalin Karikó, USA; Professor Pieter Cullis, Canada; Professor Jan Lötvall, Sweden, Professor Bhanu P. Jena, USA. Professor Robert S. Langer Jr., USA.

Media are invited to the event. For further information contact Prof. Tommy Nylander, Tommy.Nylander@chem.lu.se, mobile +46709-626099

The Camurus Lipid Research Foundation – Kåre Larsson och Gunnar Sandbergs forskningsstiftelse, was founded by Professor Kåre Larsson (1937-2018), Lund University and Dr.h.c. Gunnar Sandberg (1923-2007), GS Development, Malmö. For more information, please visit www.clrf.se