Annette Beck-Sickinger, Professor of Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Leipzig University, was awarded the esteemed Viktor Mutt Prize 2026 in Málaga, Spain, on 18 April. Recognised as the highest accolade of the International Society for Bioactive Peptides (ISBAP), the award honours Beck-Sickinger’s pioneering contributions to the understanding of specific biological messenger substances that regulate a wide range of vital physiological functions.
Professor Beck-Sickinger is a trailblazer in the study of peptide hormones and neuropeptides – small, potent, and ubiquitous signalling molecules that govern processes including hunger, thirst, pain perception, and emotional responses. Her research has focused particularly on the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system, originally discovered by Viktor Mutt and his colleagues. Through the development of advanced chemical tools, she has played a key role in precisely mapping the functions of NPY receptors and elucidating their therapeutic potential.
“The award of the Viktor Mutt Prize is a great honour for me, and also a clear recognition of the importance of neuropeptide and receptor research in medicine. It is a special privilege to build on the foundations laid by Viktor Mutt and to open up new avenues in science,” said Professor Dr Annette Beck-Sickinger on receiving the award, presented during the annual conference of the International Society for Bioactive Peptides.
Her research has not only deepened understanding of the biological processes involving neuropeptides, but has also opened up new therapeutic approaches. By precisely mapping the interactions between peptides and receptors, she has made a significant contribution to translating molecular structures into biological functions. This work has the potential to revolutionise future therapies in areas such as obesity, diabetes and neurological disorders.
Further information
Source: Leipzig University, Text: Anett Albrecht
Annette Beck-Sickinger was awarded the Leipziger Wissenschaftspreis (German Website) back in 2016.