The Leibniz Prize, a prestigious German research funding award, recognizes ten scientists for their outstanding contributions across various disciplines, including life sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities. Each recipient will receive 2.5 million euros to support their research over seven years. The winners, announced for 2025, include notable figures such as Professor Dr. Volker Haucke and Professor Dr. Ana Pombo. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 19, 2025, in Berlin.
The Leibniz Prize: A Prestigious Research Funding Award in Germany
Recognized as one of Germany’s most prestigious research funding awards, the Leibniz Prize celebrates exceptional scientific contributions. Each year, numerous researchers are honored, with the expectation that they will utilize the prize money to further their innovative research endeavors.
A Notable Announcement for 2025
Today, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced the recipients of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2025, comprising four female and six male scientists. The recipients hail from diverse fields, including two from the humanities and social sciences, four from life sciences, three from natural sciences, and one from engineering sciences.
Each prize winner will receive a substantial award of 2.5 million euros, which they can allocate towards their research initiatives over a span of up to seven years.
In related news, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun.
Professor Dr. Volker Haucke from the Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology in Berlin is investigating the mechanisms that facilitate nerve cell functionality. His groundbreaking research has led to the development of inhibitors targeting vital enzymes in lipid metabolism, offering new hope for cancer treatments.
Professor Dr. Ana Pombo, based at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, is focused on the 3D organization of chromosomal DNA within the cell nucleus. Her work sheds light on how cells efficiently organize genetic information, which is crucial for understanding various disease processes.
Professor Dr. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla from the Helmholtz Center in Munich is exploring the principles of cell plasticity, emphasizing epigenetic processes that affect gene activity influenced by environmental factors.
Professor Dr. Robert Zeiser from the University Hospital Freiburg has been recognized for his contributions to blood cancer research, particularly regarding transplant rejection and the immunological ‘camouflage’ of tumors. His development of anti-TIM3 antibodies has significant implications for cancer therapy.
Additionally, three researchers have uncovered the alarm system of the human immune system.
Professor Dr. Bettina Valeska Lotsch from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart is investigating innovative materials for sustainable energy solutions, with potential applications in efficient solar batteries.
Professor Dr. Wolfram Pernice from the University of Heidelberg is focused on neuromorphic photonic computing, striving to create a computer that mimics brain functionality by combining physical data processing with artificial intelligence.
Professor Dr. Angkana Rüland from the University of Bonn conducts research in mathematical analysis that may lead to the development of new materials with magnetic properties.
Microbiologist Lalita Ramakrishnan is studying the transmission and functioning of tuberculosis bacteria in England.
Spotlight on Humanities
Professor Dr. Hannes Leitgeb from LMU Munich specializes in mathematical-analytical philosophy. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of indefinite and vague concepts, establishing a framework for interpreting expressions that refer to the same subject but convey different meanings.
Professor Dr. Michael Seewald from the University of Münster is exploring systematic theology, particularly the evolution of dogmas while preserving tradition. His research has successfully bridged divides within Catholicism.
This year, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper, while Professor Dr. Daniel Rückert from TU Munich has been honored for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in medicine. These technologies are increasingly vital in medical imaging and other fields.
Notably, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 for their foundational contributions to artificial intelligence.
Upcoming Award Ceremony
The prestigious Leibniz Prizes will be presented on March 19, 2025, in Berlin. Since its inception in 1986, the DFG has been awarding these prestigious prizes annually. Up to ten awards, each valued at 2.5 million euros, can be granted each year. With the latest awards, a total of 428 Leibniz Prizes have been conferred to date.
It is noteworthy that two female and ten male Leibniz Prize recipients have also received the Nobel Prize in Germany following their recognition with the Leibniz Prize.