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Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2008, Vice President of the Leopoldina 2003 - 2009
Year of election: | 1987 |
Section: | Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine |
City: | Heidelberg |
Country: | Germany |
Research Priorities: Development of cancer forms from viral infections, human papilloma viruses, cervical cancer
Harald zur Hausen was a German physician. Since the 1960s, he had pursued the question as to what role viruses play in the development of cancer in humans. Together with his research team, he succeeded in identifying different types of human papilloma viruses responsible for the development of cervical cancer. His research made it possible to develop a vaccine against cervical cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in women. In 2008, Harald zur Hausen was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his scientific achievements.
Aside from his research, which is considered revolutionary in the field of tumour virology, Harald zur Hausen has dedicated himself to many other tasks. During his long tenure as the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Cancer as well as in his roles as a member, chairperson and president of many institutions, he was able to advance the scientific and networking aspects of the field of oncology. Until his retirement in 2003, he was the head of the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg for 20 years. For his work, Harald zur Hausen has been awarded numerous national and international prizes, honorary professorships, and honorary doctorates.