German National Prize Awarded to Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin

The award, with which the German National Foundation has honored individuals and institutions contributing to a democratic society since 1997, was presented at a ceremony held at the historic French Friedrichstadt Church in Berlin. Many prominent figures from the worlds of politics, business, and science attended the ceremony.

While presenting the award, which carries a prize of 50 thousand Euros, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Türeci and Şahin's achievements in the fields of science and entrepreneurship. Merz stated, "As scientists and entrepreneurs, you represent the future strength of a free society. Today, we are honoring two guiding lights of modern medicine with you."

Chancellor Merz emphasized Türeci and Şahin's belief in mRNA technology and their vision for using this technology in Covid-19 vaccines and cancer treatments. "Where many saw risk, they saw opportunity. To ensure their own research could reach patients, they first founded Ganymed Pharmaceuticals, and then BioNTech in 2008. It is an honor for me to present the National Prize," he said.

"A MEDICAL REVOLUTION"

Describing the rapid development of the Covid-19 vaccine as a "medical revolution," Merz noted that this success saved millions of lives. He also expressed that their work in cancer research is promising, stating, "These studies make possible a future where cancer could lose its terrifying impact."