On March 19, 2025, ten leading researchers were honored with the esteemed Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, known as the "German Nobel Prize," during a ceremony held by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in Berlin. Each recipient was awarded 2.5 million euros to support their innovative research projects, which span multiple disciplines including the natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, and the humanities.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Leibniz Prize, which recognizes groundbreaking work that addresses pressing issues of our time. Among the recipients was Robert Zeiser from the University Hospital of Freiburg, whose research into cancer treatment has led to significant advancements in understanding how tumors can evade the immune system. “It is an incredible honor and recognition of my work,” Zeiser stated while discussing the implications of his research.
The ten honorees included four women and six men, selected from 142 nominations submitted for consideration. This diverse group of scholars highlights the wide-ranging impact of scientific inquiry on our society. The prize, which can be utilized by researchers over seven years without bureaucratic hurdles, encourages freedom to explore risky projects that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Among the distinguished recipients was Bettina Valeska Lotsch, a chemist at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, recognized for her work in developing innovative materials for sustainable energy sources. Her research focuses on creating a new light storage concept that enables more efficient conversion and storage of solar energy. This work holds significant promise for advancements in hydrogen production using renewable energy and solar batteries.
Another notable honoree, Wolfram Pernice from the University of Heidelberg, is dedicated to the development of photonic computers that use light instead of electrons for processing data. Pernice’s innovative approach aims to create faster and more energy-efficient computing systems, addressing the growing demand for robust technological solutions.
As the ceremony unfolded, DFG President Katja Becker emphasized the importance of supporting such cutting-edge research: “Excellent research, as promoted by the Leibniz Prize, plays a central role in the future viability of our country. It is essential for our innovative capacity and resilience.”
The Leibniz Prize encourages researchers to challenge existing boundaries and forge new pathways in their fields. For instance, Zeiser's cancer research has resulted in an approved medication for treating Graft-versus-Host disease, a serious complication that can occur after stem cell transplants. “I was personally very pleased when the approval came because we can now offer patients an approved drug to treat this severe complication,” he reflected.
Aside from the monetary award, the Leibniz Prize provides significant international recognition for the researchers, often leading to enhanced opportunities and positions in both academia and industry. Notably, twelve past recipients have been honored with the Nobel Prize, showcasing the prestige associated with the Leibniz Prize.
In addition to Zeiser, the other awardees for 2025 included Michael Seewald (Catholic Theology, University of Münster), Hannes Leitgeb (Theoretical Philosophy, LMU Munich), Daniel Rückert (Artificial Intelligence, TU Munich), Ana Pombo (Genomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin), Angkana Rüland (Applied Mathematics, University of Bonn), and Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla (Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich). Each awardee's research reflects critical societal challenges, from climate change to advancements in artificial intelligence.
The Leibniz Prize also serves to inspire future scientist engagement and commitment to addressing critical issues like energy sustainability, biodiversity, and public health crises.
Reflecting on the award, Zeiser acknowledged the motivation that comes with such recognition: “It drives us to continue researching and not to settle for the current situation.” His enthusiasm illustrates the collective spirit of innovation that the Leibniz Prize seeks to foster among leading scientists.
As the ceremony concluded, the DFG reiterated its commitment to supporting distinguished scientific endeavors. By doing so, it not only helps advance knowledge but also reinforces Germany's position as a leading hub for research and innovation. The contributions of the Leibniz Prize winners promise to shape the future landscape of their respective fields, ultimately benefiting society at large.
With this year’s announcements, the DFG has once again highlighted the significance of investing in research that aligns with the urgent needs and aspirations of our modern world.
In summary, the Leibniz Prize of 2025 underscores the vital intersection of research excellence and societal benefit, enriching the scientific community and heralding advancements that could redefine the boundaries of various disciplines.
