As a deadly pandemic raged on, Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci – physicians, immunologists, cancer researchers, and BioNtech founders knew that expansive knowledge of mRNA vaccine technology gave them the potential for creating the first COVID-19 vaccine. In collaboration with Pfizer, Dr. Şahin and Dr. Türeci were able to do just that in an unprecedented 11-month timeframe, enabling many across the globe to protect themselves against COVID-19 quickly.
As part of PHR’s 2021 gala celebration, PHR board member Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH, dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University spoke with Dr. Şahin and Dr. Türeci about their path to creating the vaccine and what it means for the world. Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci also acknowledged the world’s healthcare workers for their heroic actions and sacrifices: “To all of you who are out there – we are very grateful for what you do. You are our heroes…please don’t lose faith and continue. There is an end to this.”
Miss the livestream of PHR’s 2021 gala? Watch the whole show here!