At the end of October, Munich-based virologist Prof. Dr. med. Ulrike Protzer was awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The award was presented to her on 28 October 2025 by Bavaria's Minister of Science and the Arts, Markus Blume, at the Gärtnerplatztheater in Munich. With the State Order of Merit, the Federal President honours Protzer's many years of service in translational virology research, in particular her pioneering work on the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, as well as her outstanding commitment to promoting young scientists.
A translational view of viruses and therapies
Die Forschung von Prof Dr Ulrike Protzer's research combines analysis of the interaction between virus and host with the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. A particular focus is on therapeutic vaccines against chronic hepatitis B. With the vaccine candidate TherVacB, her team achieved a significant milestone: the successful transition to clinical application.
Even during the coronavirus pandemic, Protzer made an important contribution to research into SARS-CoV-2 and supported science-based health policy.
‘Our research aims to provide a cure for the millions of people suffering from viral diseases and to prevent secondary diseases. That is why we are developing new therapies.’
Prof Dr Ulrike Protzer
‘This award is based on the outstanding work of our entire team. Our research aims to provide a cure for the millions of people suffering from viral diseases and to prevent secondary diseases. That is why we are developing new therapies. It is a great honour that this work has now been recognised with the Federal Cross of Merit,’ says Protzer on the Helmholtz Munich website.
Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice
As Director of the Institute of Virology (VIRO) at Helmholtz Munich and Head of the Chair of Virology at the Technical University of Munich, Ulrike Protzer plays a central role at the interface between basic research and clinical translation.
The Federal Cross of Merit is the latest award for the renowned virologist: on 9 October 2025, she was honoured with the German Medical Award as Physician of the Year 2025 .
We warmly congratulate Ulla Protzer on this social recognition and are very proud that she has been part of Infect-Net since the beginning.
To the report on the Helmholtz Munich website
René Lesnik | Coordination Infect-Net
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