500,000 Francs for Pioneering Research

The Gretener-Thürlemann Prize honors scientists at non-profit academic institutions around the world who conduct pioneering basic research that benefits society. The international award is financed by the Gretener-Thürlemann Foundation and will be presented for the first time on 3 December 2025, at the University of Zurich.

The prize is awarded for groundbreaking research in the three fields of medicine and basic medical sciences, physics or chemistry that benefits society as a whole. The field in which the prize is awarded rotates annually. Academic institutions may nominate individuals or teams of up to three of their researchers for the prize.

This year, the Gretener-Thürlemann Prize will be awarded to outstanding researchers in the field of translational/clinical medicine. Scientists can apply to the management of their institution, which will then submit their nomination.

President Michael Schaepman is delighted with the trust placed in UZH in awarding this prize: “It is a great honor for us to award a prize of global significance and thereby recognize outstanding researchers for their scientific contributions.”

The Gretener-Thürlemann Foundation is funded by the legacy of Dr. Adolf and Adelheid Gretener-Thürlemann. The Zurich-based couple shared a keen interest in science and research throughout their lives. Adolf Gretener (born 1926) studied medicine at the University of Zurich and worked as a general practitioner. Adelheid Gretener-Thürlemann (born 1935) came from a family who was active in the construction industry. The couple’s shared enthusiasm for science led to the establishment of the foundation, which has now entrusted the UZH Foundation with the task of announcing and awarding the prize of the same name.

The application phase for the 2025 Gretener-Thürlemann Prize is currently underway. Institutions can nominate researchers until 30 May 2025. A diverse prize commission will select the winner – or a winning team – from the global shortlist of nominees.