Kariko-Weissman research duo won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine
Katalin Karikó (L) and Drew Weissman (R). Photo credit: Alex Gardner / University of Pennsylvania
Research professors Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine as the inventors of the modified messenger RNA used in COVID-19 vaccines, and as the developers of mRNA therapy, which opens a new path in medicine, announced the Nobel Assembly in Solna, Sweden, on Monday, October 2.
Katalin Karikó, research professor and former student of the University of Szeged, adjunct professor of the University of Pennsylvania, together with her colleague Drew Weissman, professor of the University of Pennsylvania, received the Nobel Prize for their scientific work that directly led to the development of the modern COVID-19 vaccines. The researchers received the highest scientific recognition nearly three years after the rollout of mRNA vaccines across the world.
Since 1901, the Nobel Foundation has been granting awards to individuals whose groundbreaking achievements have significantly contributed to the betterment of humanity. These prestigious prizes are presented to laureates who have excelled in fields such as physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics.
The number of Nobel Prize recipients is less than 1,000, and only 225 people have received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine before. Dr. Karikó is the 61st woman ever to receive the Nobel Prize and at the same time, the first Hungarian woman to receive the prestigious title.
The Nobel Prize announcement was streamed live from Sweden on the Nobel Assembly's YouTube channel. Professors and leaders of the University of Szeged awaited the announcement at the university's main building, at an event open to the press. Participants of the media event received the news burst with joy — some were touched to tears — and also had the opportunity to briefly congratulate Prof. Karikó during a live video call.
Photos made at the University of Szeged’s media event. Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
Find more information and videos at the Nobel Prize website.
