Dr. Schwerk has been a senior physician at the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology at MHH since 2008. Together with his colleagues, he established and continuously developed the pediatric lung transplantation program there. With up to 14 pediatric lung transplants performed annually, MHH is now one of the world’s leading centers in this field.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schwerk is deeply involved in translational research within the framework of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). As part of the BREATH research network, his work focuses, among other things, on studying immunological and infectious processes following lung transplantation in children – with the goal of improving long-term treatment outcomes and the quality of life of affected patients.

At the award ceremony, KiO chairwoman Franziska Liebhardt emphasized: “Nicolaus Schwerk is a recognized expert in his field. He has achieved significant scientific success and published extensively. What stands out most, however, is his particularly compassionate manner in dealing with children and their families.”

Dr. Michael Sasse, member of the KiO board of trustees and head of Pediatric Intensive Care at MHH, added: “He manages to build deep personal relationships with the children – marked by empathy and a genuine interest in their individual stories. His care does not end at the hospital door.”

The Helmut Werner Prize has been awarded by KiO since 2005 to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to children and adolescents before or after an organ transplant. The €5,000 prize is donated by the Werner family.

BREATH warmly congratulates PD Dr. Nicolaus Schwerk on this well-deserved honor and recognizes his outstanding commitment to young patients – in the clinic, in research, and through his continuous efforts to improve care for children with severe lung diseases.

Foto: © Kinderhilfe Organtransplantation e.V.