BioNTech's Turkish-German co-founders awarded top science honor

ISTANBUL

BioNTech co-founders Ozlem Tureci and Ugur Sahin were awarded the 2025 German National Prize on Tuesday in recognition of their pioneering work in medical science and their contribution to Germany’s social and scientific progress.

The ceremony took place at the French Friedrichstadt Church in Berlin, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the duo’s "extraordinary courage" in venturing into uncharted scientific territory, RPR1 reported.

"They both embody the future strength of a free society, as scientists seeking solutions, and as entrepreneurs for whom responsibility is at the heart of their work," Merz said in his address.

Tureci and Sahin, both of Turkish origin, are best known for developing a COVID-19 vaccine in record time in 2020.

Their company, BioNTech, continues to focus on innovative immunotherapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and disorders of the immune and nervous systems.

Merz also highlighted the importance of skilled immigration, describing Tureci and Sahin as “outstanding examples” of how migrant talent drives progress in Germany.

“I want to live in a Germany where talent is promoted to the best of my ability, regardless of social or ethnic background,” he said.

“We need skilled immigration as an engine of progress. Ideologies that question this threaten the future of our free order in their narrow-mindedness.”

The German National Prize, established in 1997 by the German National Foundation, honors individuals and organizations that contribute to a democratic society. A parallel award also recognizes initiatives that promote solidarity among young people.

The award carries a total prize sum of €50,000 (over $57,150).