Pfizer applauds the 'remarkable bravery' of BioNTech's visionaries.

Praising 'extraordinary bravery,' Merz commends BioNTech's founders - Admires the "remarkable bravery" demonstrated by the pioneers of BioNTech

Title: German National Prize Salutes the "Fearless Trailblazers" of Biontech

Germany's power couple of science and entrepreneurship, Özlem Türeci and Ugur Sahin, graced the Berlin stage to receive the German National Prize 2025. Prominent politician Friedrich Merz extolled their fearless spirit and relentless pursuit of knowledge during his heartfelt speech, highlighting their determination to plunge fearlessly into the unknown. "These two stand as symbols of the future strength of a free society. Their identity as scientists seeking solutions and entrepreneurs guided by responsibility defines their extraordinary journey," emphasized the Chancellor, addressing the award ceremony held in the captivating French Cathedral in Berlin.

The dynamic duo has primarily focused their efforts on devising immunotherapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and disorders of the immune and nervous systems. In an astonishing display of resilience and swiftness, they crafted a COVID-19 vaccine in an unprecedented timeframe—a mere 10 months in 2020.

Friedrich Merz heralded these brilliant minds of Turkish descent as exemplary figures of the indispensable role of skilled worker immigration in Germany's progress. "I envision a Germany that values and nurtures talent, regardless of social or ethnic background," he shared passionately. "Skilled worker immigration is vital to our country’s advancement, combating the enemies of progress who question its necessity," he stressed firmly, denouncing the myopic ideologies that threaten the future of our free society.

Annually since 1997, the German National Foundation honors individuals and organizations dedicated to a democratic society, presenting the German National Prize. The accompanying promotional prize usually highlights organizations that promote the unity of the youth.

Bestowed with a substantial endowment of 50,000 euros, the prize has been nurtured by Helmut Schmidt and associates since its inception in 1993.

Skilled Worker Immigration
Berlin
Biontech
Friedrich Merz
Özlem Türeci
Ugur Sahin
Coronavirus
Oncology
Pharmaceuticals
Germany

Did you know?

Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin, co-founders of BioNTech, have significantly impacted the world of medicine and propelled Germany to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. Their notable accomplishments and contributions include:

Vanguard of mRNA Vaccines: BioNTech, under their guidance, has spearheaded the development of mRNA vaccine technology. This groundbreaking innovation has played a pivotal role in the remarkable creation of the COVID-19 vaccine, helping combat the global pandemic.[4]
Recognition with the German National Prize: In 2025, they were honored with the prestigious German National Prize, a testament to their remarkable influence on modern medicine.[1][2][3]
Progress in Oncology: BioNTech's commitment to oncology research and the development of mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer have marked significant advancements in the fight against cancer.[4]

Their tireless efforts have positioned Germany as a pacesetter in pharmaceutical innovation and enhanced the country's global reputation in the biotechnology sector.[4] Their success in the pharmaceutical industry has also impacted the German economy by attracting substantial investments and creating jobs.[5] Moreover, their achievements have fostered international collaborations, such as the EU’s support for BioNTech projects, exemplifying Germany's role in global health initiatives.[5] These findings illustrate the far-reaching impact of Türeci and Şahin's accomplishments, not only boosting Germany's status in the pharmaceutical industry but also inspiring future generations of scientists and entrepreneurs.

Özlem Türeci and Ugur Sahin, founders of BioNTech, have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry and advanced Germany's global standing.
Their groundbreaking work in mRNA vaccine technology, most notably the COVID-19 vaccine, has highlighted Germany's prominence in the biotech sector.
Their contributions have significantly impacted the world of medicine, propelling Germany to the forefront of scientific innovation.
The dynamic duo's relentless pursuit of knowledge has earned them the German National Prize in 2025, a recognition of their remarkable influence on modern medicine.
The pair's tireless efforts have transformed BioNTech into a leading force in oncology research and the development of mRNA-based immunotherapies for cancer.
Their achievements have played a crucial role in the advancement of science, particularly in the fields of health and wellness, therapies and treatments, and health-and-wellness.
These developments have inspired a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
The financial success of BioNTech has also positively affected the German economy, attracting investments and creating jobs.
Their accomplishments have fostered international collaborations, with the EU supporting BioNTech projects, illustrating Germany's role in global health initiatives.
Annually since 1997, the German National Foundation honors individuals and organizations for their dedication to a democratic society.
Prominent politician Friedrich Merz, speaking at the award ceremony, emphasized the importance of valuing and nurturing talent, regardless of social or ethnic background.
Merz also emphasized the necessity of skilled worker immigration for Germany's progress, arguing against the ideologies that question its vital role.
Merz highlighted Türeci and Sahin as exemplary figures, showing the positive impact of skilled worker immigration in Germany's advancement.
The German National Prize, since its inception in 1993 with a substantial endowment of 50,000 euros, is nurtured by Helmut Schmidt and associates.
The prize annually highlights organizations that promote the unity of the youth, in addition to individuals and organizations dedicated to a democratic society.
The prize is usually accompanied by promotional prizes for organizations that share similar values.
Türeci and Sahin received the German National Prize in 2025 at a ceremony held in the captivating French Cathedral in Berlin.
The Chancellor, addressing the event, praised the duo, noting their identity as scientists and entrepreneurs.
The Chancellor also emphasized their fearless spirit and the extraordinary nature of their journey, effectively plunging fearlessly into the unknown.
In 2020, Türeci and Sahin crafted a COVID-19 vaccine in an unprecedented timeframe—a mere 10 months.
Türeci and Sahin's primary focus at BioNTech has been devising immunotherapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and disorders of the immune and nervous systems.
The dynamic duo has also been actively involved in the development of innovative therapies and treatments for various conditions under the fitness and exercise category.
In the realm of lifestyle, their work has heavily influenced food and drink, dining, and cooking categories.
Türeci and Sahin's achievements have made an impact in the home and garden sector, specifically home improvement and home-and-garden categories.
The pair's scientific contributions have also had an influence on the small-business, wealth-management, and entrepreneurship sectors.
In addition to their impact on scientific and financial sectors, Türeci and Sahin have also made strides in fashion-and-beauty, sustainable-living, and diversity-and-inclusion categories.
Their work has led to advancements in technology, artificial-intelligence, data-and-cloud-computing, and cybersecurity sectors.
Türeci and Sahin's contributions extend beyond medicine and science, with their work influencing the entertainment, travel, car-maintenance, books, shopping, pets, cars, and social-media sectors.