Ulrike Protzer receives the Federal Cross of Merit
DZIF scientist honored for her outstanding achievements
On October 28, 2025, Prof. Dr. med. Ulrike Protzer was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Federal Cross of Merit). This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of virology—particularly her pioneering translational research advancing the development of new curative therapies for chronic hepatitis B—and her strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.
The Bundesverdienstkreuz (Federal Cross of Merit) is awarded by the Federal President for outstanding services to the common good. Minister of Science and the Arts Markus Blume presented the awards during a ceremonial event at Munich’s Gärtnerplatztheater.
Understanding viruses, developing therapies
Ulrike Protzer’s research focuses on how viruses interact with their hosts, how the immune system controls viral infections, and how viruses evade immune defense mechanisms. From these insights, she develops targeted approaches for new therapies. Her primary goal is to find a cure for chronic hepatitis B and to prevent its long-term complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she examined how effective immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 develops. Her work bridges the gap between basic science and clinical application, laying the foundation for translating fundamental discoveries directly into medical practice.
Research and teaching in dual roles
Ulrike Protzer is the Director of the Institute of Virology at Helmholtz Munich, coordinates the research area Hepatitis at the DZIF and holds the Chair of Virology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). In these dual roles, she seamlessly connects fundamental research with clinical implementation, fostering close collaboration between science and medicine.
"This distinction is based on the outstanding efforts of my entire team. Our research aims to provide cures for the millions of people affected by viral diseases and to prevent their long-term consequences. That’s why we are developing new therapeutic strategies. It is a great honor that this work is now being recognized with the Federal Cross of Merit," says Ulrike Protzer.
A highly honored virologist
For her remarkable success in translating basic research into clinically applicable therapies, Ulrike Protzer received the DZIF Prize for Translational Infection Research in 2021. In 2022, she received the Bavarian Order of Merit in recognition of her exceptional contributions during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and her pivotal role in managing the crisis. Earlier, in 2020, she received the Heinz Meier-Leibnitz Medal for her commitment to combating the pandemic, her evidence-based public communication, and her advisory work for policymakers. The Federal Cross of Merit now complements these distinctions, underscoring her leading role in advancing virological research and translating scientific discoveries into medical progress.
Source: press release Helmholtz Munich
