Zach Gerhart-Hines receives 61st EASD Minkowski Prize
EASD awards Zach Europe's most prestigious diabetes prize in recognition of research that is transforming how we understand fat, metabolism, and obesity treatment
The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have awarded Associate Professor Zach Gerhart-Hines the 61st EASD Minkowski Prize in recognition of his research that has transformed how we think about adipose tissue biology and its role in systemic energy homeostasis, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
"I’m immensely honoured to receive the 2026 EASD Minkowski Prize and grateful that this journey has taken place at CBMR and the University of Copenhagen,” says Zach.
“Our work on adipose biology and homeostatic metabolism has always been a team effort. This recognition reflects the creativity, persistence, and curiosity of the many students, Postdocs, and collaborators with whom I’ve had the privilege to work over the years. I’m excited to continue pushing the science forward together to see how these discoveries can ultimately benefit people living with obesity and diabetes."
Zach's research spans NAD+ biosynthesis, mitochondrial membrane dynamics and metabolite transport, and GPCR control of energy expenditure - each uncovering new molecular mechanisms linking adipose tissue plasticity to insulin sensitivity and metabolic control.
His most defining discovery to date is an NK2R-dependent signalling axis linking fat metabolism to gut-brain communication. Published in Nature, Zach and his Group demonstrated that pharmacological engagement of this neuroendocrine pathway enhances energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity, reduces food intake, and strikingly restored glucose control in preclinical models, all without the aversive tolerability limitations of current incretin-based therapies.
The EASD also points to his dedication to developing next-generation treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. A co-founder of Embark Biotech, the spinout was acquired in 2023 by Novo Nordisk A/S in a deal worth up to 456 million euros.
Zach will deliver his prize lecture on Thursday, 1 October 2026, 17:30 - 18:30 hrs, at the 62nd EASD Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy.