A transdisciplinary team combining clinical practice and research has been awarded the 2026 René-Maurice Gattefossé Prize
The 2026 Prize recognizes the collaborative work between the nursing team at the W35 gynecological oncology department at Charité Berlin and researchers at the Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM).
The Prize will be awarded to Dr Judith Czakert, a researcher at the CCCTIM and project lead, on behalf of the teams involved. This collaboration between clinical staff and researchers is opening up new paths for advancing clinical aromatherapy practices.
An aromatherapy practice led by healthcare staff
Within the W35 gynecological oncology department, an ‘Aromacare’ approach led by nurses has been integrated into patient care.
This practice has been enhanced through collaboration with researchers from the CCCTIM. The two teams are now working together to investigate its integration into routine care, gather feedback from patients and healthcare professionals, and identify its strengths, limitations and ways to improve it.
The Arth4WOMEN clinical trial
Between 2021 and 2024, the Arth4WOMEN clinical trial explored the experiences of 18 women with gynaecological cancers who used various personalised applications of essential oils over a four-week period.
In particular, participants reported perceived benefits regarding sleep, pain, nausea and chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathies, as well as improvements in their well-being and their ability to play an active role in their own care. The study also identified certain difficulties and undesirable reactions, highlighting the importance of support and safety of use.
Building bridges between clinical practice and research
Through this project, the jury and the Foundation sought to promote an approach to advancing clinical aromatherapy: combining the experience and clinical expertise of healthcare professionals with the methodological skills of researchers to better evaluate, document and develop practices.
This approach fully reflects the values promoted by the Foundation: person-centred care, aromatherapy practised by healthcare professionals, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture of evaluation and continuous improvement.
With a prize fund of 10,000 euros, the Award will support the continuation of this approach and the dissemination of the knowledge gained.
The 2026 René-Maurice Gattefossé Prize recognises clinical practice that forms part of a process of evaluation and continuous improvement.
Publications
Czakert J. et al. (2023), “Like one part of a puzzle” – individualized aromatherapy for women with gynecological cancers in aftercare: results from a qualitative-focused mixed-methods study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(1), 80.
Czakert J. et al. (2023). On the Scent Trail: Arts-Informed Method Development to Support Perception and Expression of Olfactory Experiences in Aromatherapy of Women With Gynecological Cancers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22.
