On the death of Professor Harald zur Hausen

The LIV mourns the loss of Professor Harald zur Hausen. The renowned cancer researcher and Nobel Prize winner in medicine died on May 28, 2023 at the age of 87. His groundbreaking research in the field of tumor virology has significantly shaped the understanding of virus-related cancers and their prevention.

In 2009, our institute presented Harald zur Hausen with the Heinrich Pette Prize (today: Leibniz Virology Prize). The institute honored the internationally renowned virologist for his discovery that cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus infections. In doing so, he created the prerequisites for the development of a vaccine that has been approved on the German market since 2007.

“Until a few years ago, I was in collegial contact with Harald zur Hausen, as my working group deals with questions about the molecular causes of viral carcinogens. I will miss Harald zur Hausen as a person and an inspiring colleague,” says the Scientific Director of the LIV and head of the Viral Transformation Department, Professor Thomas Dobner. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”