Donated jointly by Pfeiffer and the Ludwig Schunk Foundation, the award recognises the achievements of young scientists in their respective fields.
This year’s prize saw biologist and medical doctor Dr. Dasha Elena Nelidova, postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), awarded with 15,000 euros for her role in developing a new method for treating age-related macular degeneration – the most common cause of blindness in industrialised countries.
Already holding several awards for her research, as well as two patents for her inventions, Nelidova’s pioneering work combines nanotechnology and gene therapy.
Although only being available in ‘tangible form’ since last year, the prize has been awarded since 1960 in homage to its namesake, Nobel Prize winner Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.