Recieving honours from the Austrian Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology
At QCGC Research, we are proud to share that our Director, Professor Andreas Obermair, received the 2025 Semmelweis Award from the Austrian Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology last week.
Why This Award Matters
This prestigious award recognises outstanding contributions to women’s health and surgical innovation. It is named after Ignaz Semmelweis, a pioneer of infection control who, in the 19th century, discovered that handwashing dramatically reduced maternal deaths. Semmelweis discovered the link between hand hygiene and infection prevention. He introduced a policy requiring doctors to wash their hands with chlorinated lime before examining patients, which dramatically reduced maternal mortality.
His work transformed medical practice and saved countless lives. A reminder that simple ideas can change the world.
The Acceptance Theme: “The Only Constant is Change”
In his acceptance speech, Professor Obermair reflected on how far gynaecological cancer care has come. Surgery has evolved, new technologies have emerged, and research continues to reshape treatment options. Yet his message was clear:
Technology should sharpen judgment, not replace it.
Innovation must serve patients, not industry.
Change should humanise our work and remind us that we will never know it all.
Congratulations, Professor Obermair!
How QCGC Research Embodies Change
At QCGC Research, we share this commitment to progress that truly benefits women. Here’s how our current projects reflect that vision:
ALIVE WELL: A Centre of Research Excellence focused on fertility preservation, lymphoedema prevention, and recovery after treatment. It’s about making survivorship a priority, not an afterthought.
feMMe Molecular: Exploring non-surgical, targeted treatments for early-stage endometrial cancer, giving women options that preserve fertility and reduce surgical risks.
ENDO-3 Trial: A landmark study comparing sentinel-node biopsy to full lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer surgery, aiming to reduce complications without compromising safety.