STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The Nobel Prize in Medicine, one of the world’s most esteemed awards, has recognized the pioneering contributions of two scientists whose discoveries paved the way for the mRNA vaccines, which have become instrumental in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Katalin Karikó, a professor hailing from Sagan’s University in Hungary and concurrently serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, together with her collaborator, Dr. Drew Weissman of the University of Pennsylvania, were jointly awarded for their revolutionary findings on Monday.
In its statement, the Nobel committee extolled their work: “Through their transformative research, they reshaped our understanding of how mRNA interfaces with our immune defenses. This breakthrough enabled the development of vaccines at an unprecedented speed during a critical juncture in modern health history.”
News of the award was delivered personally by Thomas Perlmann, the Nobel Assembly’s secretary. He shared that both scientists were deeply “overwhelmed” when they learned of their honour shortly before the public announcement.
In tandem with recognizing this year’s laureates, the Nobel Foundation made a notable increase in the award amount. The cash prize now stands at 11 million Swedish kronor, approximately equivalent to $1 million.
This adjustment, an uptick of 1 million kronor from the previous allocation, was made in response to the ongoing depreciation of the Swedish currency.
It’s worth noting that the Nobel Prize in Medicine’s previous year’s recipient was another trailblazer, Swedish scientist Dr. Svante Paabo. His groundbreaking research into Neanderthal DNA provided illuminating insights into both human evolution and our immune system’s intricacies.
As the global community keenly watches, the week ahead is set to unveil more Nobel laureates: with prizes in physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics slated for announcement.
In line with a longstanding tradition, the award ceremonies will occur on Dec. 10, marking the anniversary of the death of the prize’s founder, Alfred Nobel. While the Peace Prize will be conferred in Oslo, honoring Nobel’s specific wishes, the remaining accolades will be celebrated in a grand ceremony in Stockholm.
