In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the early death of Else Kröner, the Else Kröner Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS foundation) will endow an international research award of € 4 Million. The award intends to acknowledge world-wide pioneering discoveries in the field of immunology and to facilitate future research by the winning individual or team.
As a student of pharmacy in 1948, Else Kröner wrote in her diary: “Science wants to be conquered.” She was quick to recognise the enormous challenge and great potential of medical research. Else dedicated her life to the healthcare company Fresenius SE while supporting medical research and humanitarian projects. On June 5, 2013, the 25th anniversary of her death, the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS foundation) will give an international research award in the field of immunology in her honor. Candidates may be nominated until July 4, 2012 (www.ekfs.de/immunology-award).
EKFS intends to acknowledge outstanding research achievements in the field of medical immunology with a personal award component of at least 500,000 Euros. In addition, up to € 3.5 million will be awarded for future research. The award thus combines tribute to past scientific achievement with the opportunity for the winner or winning team to dedicate themselves to their research unencumbered by the necessities of raising funds for their work. The entire selection process will be carried out in close cooperation with the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), an international umbrella organisation of over 65 immunological societies around the world. A selection committee of internationally eminent researchers, chaired by IUIS president Prof. Stefan H.E. Kaufmann, will select the winner or winning team.
Immunological research is aiming to find a cure for infectious diseases, allergies, chronic inflammatory diseases, immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. In addition, the immune system is involved in the basic mechanisms of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Immunology’s importance was underscored in 2011 when the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to three immunologists. EKFS intends to use the Else Kröner Fresenius Immunology Award as a means of further promoting immunology as one of the most vital medical research fields.
