The VinFuture 2025 Main Prize worth 3 million USD has been awarded to four scientists: Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimee R. Kreimer and Professor Maura L. Gillison. They are recognized for their discovery and development of HPV vaccines to prevent tumors caused by the human papilloma virus.
Right after the VinFuture 2025 awards ceremony, scientists shared stories about the research journey of HPV vaccines. These enduring experiences are a great source of inspiration, with the general message: "science starts with small observations and is associated with community responsibility".
Dr. Douglas R. Lowy said he always remembers the moment he realized that the project could save many lives: The vaccine we developed could save tens of thousands of lives each year, including many women in poor countries. When we started this journey, we could not imagine going this far.
He mentioned the clinical research phase and affirmed that the results proving the long-term effectiveness of just one vaccine is an important factor in expanding access in many low-income countries.
For Dr. John T. Schiller, the success of the HPV vaccine is a story of many groups: "Developing a new vaccine requires the efforts of many people". He especially appreciated his first colleagues in building fake virus creation mechanisms because it is the foundation that opens everything we do in the future and expressed his emotion at seeing the project contribute to reducing diseases and protecting human life around the world.
Dr. Aimee R. Kreimer shares that the goal she pursues is always consistent: Necrotizing cancer is one of the causes of death for women. HPV vaccines can make the world of women a better place. She believes that the results of proving that the one-dose regimen is effective at two doses are a necessary step for the vaccine to be widely deployed. She expressed her gratitude to her colleagues who have silently accompanied her for many years of research.
Professor Maura L. Gillison, who determined the link between HPV and pharyngitis, also emphasized the role of the research community and patients participating in the trial. She shared: "Without them, there would be no success today". Her work helps expand the vaccine's coverage, creating a foundation to protect many population groups from HPV-related cancers.
The group of scientists informed that HPV still causes about 690,000 new cancer cases and 350,000 deaths each year. More than 250 million doses of vaccine have been used for more than 86 million girls. In the next seven decades, HPV vaccines are expected to prevent at least 8 million cases of cancer. Many countries have also expanded vaccination for boys to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
These figures show the weight of the journey that the four scientists have pursued. They all share the same view that behind success is a spirit of perseverance, belief in science and the desire to benefit the community.
