The Virchow Prize

Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902) is a great scientist, medical doctor, pathologist, biologist, anthropologist, sociologist and influential politician who had profound impact on the health and well-being of people during his time through present day. Virchow united in one person the interdisciplinary, intersectoral and humanistic activity which is needed to improve global health. He serves as example and inspiration to successfully bridge, with complexity, the increasing challenges within health and other areas of our modern civilization. The Virchow Foundation has been established as independent, non-profit foundation on 13th October 2021, the 200th birthday of its namesake, by Friede Springer, Gerald Haug, Christoph Markschies, Detlev Ganten and Roland Göhde with the clear and hopeful mission to broaden public awareness on the importance of global health and to convene stronger partnerships towards mobilising the attainment of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in respect to “health and well-being for all”; as well as to preserve the legacy of Rudolf Virchow by upholding in his spirit the responsibility of science and the other sectors towards society on the fundament of a holistic concept of health to be implemented at global scale. The Virchow Prize recognizes and celebrates groundbreaking research, major innovations and outstanding contributions with significant impact on the broad health challenges we face as a global community. With this internationally prestigious award, stellar achievements “towards health for all” and hence for the planet’s liveability are honoured. By setting a leading example of underscoring health as truly important entry point, effectiveness factor and proof of efficacy to the SDGs, the Virchow Prize highlights and supports the efforts of the United Nations.