Contests / awards

RNA-based therapies: paradigm shift in medicine
RNA-based therapies utilize specially designed RNA molecules to influence pathogenic biological processes at the cellular level and consequently treat diseases. The therapeutic approaches are extremely diverse because the widest variety of RNA or protein sequences in the cell can be specifically targeted. This enables the activity of such target structures to be inhibited or to suppress the production of proteins relevant to a particular disease. The creation of specified proteins can be triggered as well. For example, RNA technology made the rapid development and worldwide deployment of mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19 possible. Experts view RNA technology as having major potential for a range of therapies, inter alia in the area of combating cancer or against autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. As a result they anticipate significant improvements in treating patients in the coming years.

2.5 million euros in prize money
EKFS uses the prize to honor scientists who have made groundbreaking contributions in a field of medical research and whose work allows substantial advances to be expected in treating the illness involved. In 2020 Alessandro Aiuti received the prize for his developments in gene therapy, in particular for the work he performed towards the treatment of severe immunodeficiencies. In 2023 Akiko Iwasaki was the recipient of the prize for her innovative research on immune responses in the case of viral infections along with her findings in conjunction with long COVID syndrome. Out of a total of 2.5 million euros in prize money, the prizewinners receive 500,000 euros as personal acknowledgment, whereas 2 million euros are earmarked for future research.

Starting now, institutional research facilities and scientific entities are invited to nominate candidates until the 28th of August, 2024 who have made significant contributions in the field of RNA-based therapies and whose research allows pioneering breakthroughs or advances to be expected in the coming years. A selection of candidates will be invited to submit a research proposal. The award ceremony for the prize will be held on May 15, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Applications made on one’s own behalf will not receive consideration.

Submissions for the Prize 2025 should be sent via email to ekfprize25@ekfs.de. More information about presentation of the prize and about the nomination process is available on the foundation’s website at www.ekfprize25.de.

For further information:
Else Kröner Fresenius Prize for Medical Research: https://ekfs.de/en/scientific-funding/international-research-prize

Accompanying film about the call for proposals: https://youtu.be/JV05cKvAdh4

Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS) – Advancing research. Helping people.
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the funding and advancement of medical research and the support of humanitarian projects. To date the foundation has funded around 2,600 projects. With an annual funding volume currently amounting to over 70 million euros it is the largest foundation in Germany that actively funds and supports medicine. You can find more information at: www.ekfs.de/en

Press Contact
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung
Bianka Jerke
Public Relations
Tel.: + 49 6172 8975-24
eMail: b.jerke@ekfs.de

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Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Dr. Alexander Lehmann
Scientific Funding: Graduate and Research Schools and International Research Prize
a.lehmann@ekfs.de
+49 (6172) 8975-25

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Weitere Informationen:
https://ekfs.de/en/current-topics/call-for-proposals/else-kroner-fresenius-prize-medical-research-2025