German researcher presented with Manfred Donike Award

Agilent Technologies has announced the presentation of the 2008 Manfred Donike Award for scientific excellence in sports doping testing to the German research scientist Ulrich Flenker, of the Institute of biochemistry, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany. Flenker was honoured for his consistent scientific and technical improvements in detecting synthetic steroid doping using gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS).

The award recognizes distinguished scientific contributions in doping analysis, and award winners are those scientists who epitomize the spirit and scientific leadership of the pioneer of doping control, Manfred Donike. A medallion and a cash prize are awarded to such scientists, whose contributions also significantly improve fairness in sports competition.

Agilent's Stephen B. Crisp presented the award in conjunction with the late professor's wife, Marie Donike and said "GC-C-IRMS is now routinely and successfully applied in doping-control laboratories around the world, enabling analysts to discriminate between synthetic and natural steroid hormones to detect doping with compounds like testosterone and its pro-hormones. We're pleased to recognize Ulrich's breakthrough technology with this award."

Accepting the award, Flenker acknowledged the work of Svena Ludke and the contribution of Dr Dietmar Schomburg, saying that "This appraisal of my group's work makes me feel encouraged to continue the stable isotope work. Improvement of doping-control issues in the area of stable isotopes doesn't always happen quickly, and this award is appreciated as an acknowledgement and motivation."

Flenker was the scientific advisor at the lab responsible for stable isotope analysis, serving the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy, and has also acted as scientific supervisor at the 2005 IAAF World Championships in Helsinki, Finland. He has held research positions at the Cologne University since 1994 and holds degrees in Sports Sciences and Biology. He holds a Masters in Sports Sciences, and has undertaken Doctoral Studies on the "Application of Stable Isotope Analysis to Doping Control."