German Medical Award 2025 goes to Ulrike Protzer
Prof. Ulrike Protzer has been awarded the German Medical Award 2025 in the category "Female Doctor of the Year".
Prof. Ulrike Protzer, Director of the Institute of Virology at Helmholtz Munich, Chair for Virology at the Technical University of Munich and Coordinator of the research area Hepatitis at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), has been awarded the German Medical Award 2025 in the category "Female Doctor of the Year". The honor recognizes her pioneering research on Hepatitis B, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, and her active engagement in scientific and medical discourse, highlighting her sustained contributions to the advancement of virology and medical science.
Pioneering Research in Virology
The virologist Ulrike Protzer conducts interdisciplinary research on virus–host interactions, with a focus on understanding the molecular and immunological mechanisms of viral control. Building on this foundation, she has developed new therapeutic approaches aimed at curing chronic Hepatitis B and preventing its complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Protzer also focused on immune protection against SARS-CoV-2. Her work, supported by national and international collaborations, enables the rapid translation of laboratory discoveries into patient care. A notable highlight of her research is TherVacB, a novel therapeutic vaccine developed under the leadership of Helmholtz Munich in collaboration with the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) to cure chronic hepatitis B, that has recently entered its first clinical trials.
“I am deeply honored to receive the German Medical Award,” says Protzer. “It reflects not only our progress in understanding viruses and developing immune therapies to combat them, but also the dedication of my team to improving patient care and advancing our findings into the clinics.”
Recognizing Excellence in Medical Science
Since 2015, the German Medical Award has recognized exceptional achievements by physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the German-speaking medical community, highlighting patient-centered care, medical research, and healthcare innovation. Under the guiding principle “Patients in Focus,” the award honors initiatives that make a lasting impact on medical practice and patient well-being.
Source: Press release Helmholtz Munich
