# Özlem Türeci

> Turkish-German physician (born 1967)

**Wikidata**: [Q92379963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92379963)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Özlem_Türeci)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ozlem-tureci

## Summary
Özlem Türeci is a Turkish-German physician, immunologist, and entrepreneur born in 1967. She is best known as the co-founder of BioNTech, a biotechnology company that developed the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in collaboration with Pfizer, marking a groundbreaking advancement in medical science and global public health.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 6, 1967
- **Nationality**: Turkish and German
- **Education**:
  - Studied at Saarland University (inception: 1948)
  - Affiliated with the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (inception: 1652)
- **Known for**: Co-founding BioNTech and pioneering mRNA vaccine technology, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine
- **Employer(s)**: BioNTech (inception: 2008)
- **Field(s)**: Medicine, Immunology, Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship

## Contributions
Özlem Türeci co-founded BioNTech in 2008, a biotechnology company that has become a global leader in mRNA-based therapies. Under her leadership, BioNTech developed the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Pfizer, which received emergency use authorization in late 2020. This vaccine has been instrumental in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, saving millions of lives worldwide.

Türeci’s work extends beyond COVID-19; she has contributed to advancements in cancer immunotherapies and other infectious disease treatments. Her research in immunology has led to innovative approaches in vaccine development, positioning mRNA technology as a versatile platform for future medical breakthroughs.

## FAQs
**What is Özlem Türeci best known for?**
Özlem Türeci is best known for co-founding BioNTech and leading the development of the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, which has played a critical role in the global response to the pandemic.

**Where did Özlem Türeci study?**
Özlem Türeci studied at Saarland University in Germany, where she gained the foundational knowledge that would later drive her contributions to immunology and biotechnology.

**What company did Özlem Türeci co-found?**
Özlem Türeci co-founded BioNTech in 2008, a biotechnology company that has become a pioneer in mRNA-based therapies, including vaccines and cancer treatments.

**What awards has Özlem Türeci received?**
Özlem Türeci has received numerous awards, including the Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research, the Catalonia International Prize, and the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, among others.

**How has Özlem Türeci contributed to public health?**
Through her leadership at BioNTech, Özlem Türeci has significantly advanced public health by developing the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, which has been administered globally and has been crucial in reducing the impact of the pandemic.

## Why They Matter
Özlem Türeci’s work has revolutionized the field of immunology and vaccine development. Her leadership in creating the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the potential of mRNA technology for future medical innovations. Her contributions have positioned BioNTech as a leader in biotechnology, influencing global health policies and inspiring further research in mRNA-based therapies.

Türeci’s achievements highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, immunology, and entrepreneurship. Her work has set a new standard for rapid vaccine development and has opened doors for treating other diseases, including cancer, through mRNA technology.

## Notable For
- Co-founding BioNTech, a leading biotechnology company
- Developing the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer
- Receiving prestigious awards such as the Princess of Asturias Award and the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize
- Pioneering advancements in cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease treatments
- Being recognized as a leading figure in global public health and biotechnology

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Özlem Türeci was born on March 6, 1967. She pursued her education at Saarland University, where she studied medicine and immunology. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future contributions to biotechnology and vaccine development.

### Career and Entrepreneurship
In 2008, Türeci co-founded BioNTech, a biotechnology company based in Germany. Under her leadership, BioNTech has grown into a global leader in mRNA-based therapies. The company’s most notable achievement is the development of the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, which was created in collaboration with Pfizer. This vaccine received emergency use authorization in late 2020 and has since been administered to millions of people worldwide, significantly reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

### Contributions to Immunology and Medicine
Türeci’s work in immunology extends beyond COVID-19. She has been instrumental in advancing cancer immunotherapies and other infectious disease treatments. Her research has contributed to the development of innovative approaches in vaccine technology, particularly the use of mRNA as a versatile platform for medical breakthroughs.

### Awards and Recognition
Özlem Türeci has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and public health. These include the Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research, the Catalonia International Prize, and the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize. She has also been recognized with honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Cologne and the University of Antwerp.

### Leadership and Influence
As a co-founder and leader at BioNTech, Türeci has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and scientific innovations. Her leadership has been crucial in positioning BioNTech as a pioneer in mRNA technology, influencing global health policies and inspiring further research in the field.

### Legacy and Impact
Özlem Türeci’s contributions to immunology and biotechnology have had a profound impact on public health. Her work on the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated the potential of mRNA technology for rapid vaccine development and has opened new avenues for treating other diseases, including cancer. Her achievements highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges.

## References

1. [Source](https://interactive.spiegel.de/gra/ai2html/wirtschaft/2021/biontech_forscherpaar/v0/biontech_forscherpaar.html)
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/business/biontech-covid-vaccine.html)
4. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/10/ugur-sahin-and-ozlem-tureci-german-dream-team-behind-vaccine)
5. [Source](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0623-1497)
6. [Source](https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20210623/premios-princesa-asturias-2021-investigacion-cientifica/2108722.shtml)
7. [Source](https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticies/premi-internacional-catalunya-coronavirus-pfizer/)
8. [Özlem Türeci und Uğur Şahin im Historischen Rathaus zu Köln geehrt](https://portal.uni-koeln.de/universitaet/aktuell/presseinformationen/detail/oezlem-tuereci-und-ugur-sahin-im-historischen-rathaus-zu-koeln-geehrt)
9. [Source](https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/105750216.pdf)
10. [Source](https://www.jeantet.ch/en/prix-louis-jeantet/laureats/%25year_laureat%25/ugur-sahin-ozlem-tureci-and-katalin-kariko/)
11. [Source](https://warrenalpert.org/prize-recipients/%C3%B6zlem-t%C3%BCreci)
12. [Source](https://www.cancerresearch.org/william-b-coley-award)
13. [Honorary degrees 2022 | Honorary degrees | University of Antwerp](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/events/honorary-degrees/previous-editions/honorary-degrees-2022/)
14. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54886883)
15. [Source](https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/diaspora/turkish-german-vaccine-pioneers-receive-germanys-highest-award)
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. [Source](https://www.20min.ch/story/auf-diesem-ausnahme-ehepaar-ruhen-jetzt-alle-hoffnungen-967287883043)
18. [Source](https://www.munzinger.de/search/portrait/oezlem+tuereci/0/32236.html)
19. Global Conference 2021 - Speakers
20. BBC Things
21. [Source](https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11fvv3nms1&hl=de)
22. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File