© ITKAM/Sauda
Marino Zerial, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, one of the founding directors of the institute and now director at the Human Technopole in Milan, Italy, has been awarded the 2024 Mercurio Prize in the “Research and Development” category in recognition of the excellence of his research in the field of cell biology. Zerial, renowned for his studies on the mechanisms of endocytosis and cellular transport, has made significant contributions to the understanding of cellular dynamics, with potential therapeutic applications for diseases such as liver conditions.
Premio Mercurio—the German-Italian Premio Mercurio business award has been awarded since 1999 for significant initiatives in the field of economic and cultural exchange between Germany and Italy. The jury's decisions are based on a total of seven criteria, such as creation/securing of jobs, growth, sustainability, and transfer of know-how. The award ceremony took place on 18 September 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, with the attendance of German and Italian entrepreneurs, important personalities from public life, and representatives of the press.
The prize jury, made up of prominent figures from the Italian-German economic and academic world, praised the winners for their contributions to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.