Katalin Karikó was awarded an honorary doctorate by Yale University at a ceremony held on the 23rd of May, 2022.
Together with the Hungarian biochemist, alumna, honorary doctor and research professor of the University of Szeged, ten distinguished scientists were awarded honorary degrees from the private American university founded 321 years ago. Two of the honorees are linked to Katalin Karikó, who is now an honorary doctor of six universities.
For the 321st time, Yale University celebrated its graduates. The ceremony on 23 May 2022 included the awarding of undergraduate and honorary degrees.
“The Yale campus is beautiful! We walked for more than a kilometre under blossoming chestnut trees, in front of the 30,000-student wall, before we stepped onto the parade podium.” - Said Katalin Karikó, world-renowned research professor at the University of Szeged, who felt it was important to make a personal appearance at the 2022 graduation ceremony of the American university founded in 1701.
“The 10 individuals we honor this morning serve as examples to you, our graduates, to encourage you to aspire to excellence and to value those elements of human character that they embody: creativity, curiosity, discipline, integrity, and a passion for public service.” Said Yale President Peter Salovey during the university-wide Commencement ceremony. Published by Yale University, which is at the top of several lists of international higher education rankings, as a short tribute to those who have been awarded an honorary degree from the institution.
As a biochemist, Katalin Karikó received her "Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)" degree from the University of Szeged. The research professor, who also received an honorary doctorate from SZTE, was described by Yale University as „a Hungarian biochemist who specializes in RNA-mediated mechanisms. She co-founded and was CEO of RNARx from 2006 to 2013 and is currently the senior vice president of BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals.”
Kariko's personal story of perseverance and resilience during the epidemic became widely known and inspired many. Since the vaccine breakthrough, Karikó has become a respected and sought-after figure, featured in major publications and on the TIME 100 list."
Two honorary doctors of Szeged University celebrated
Among the recipients of honorary doctorates from Yale, who have achieved outstanding achievements in their fields, are musicians, journalists, diplomats, civil servants, historians, lawyers, research physicians, biochemists, immunologists and sociologists. Two of the 10 honorees are also linked to Katalin Karikó.
Katalin Karikó worked with Drew Weissman at the University of Pennsylvania laboratories in the US. In 2005, the university patented the Karikó-Weissman technique, which became the basis for the development of two types of Covid vaccines. Drew Weissman was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Yale University. (Katalin Karikó's US colleague did not attend the ceremony on 23 May 2022)
The Yale Posthumous Medal has just been awarded to Madeleine Albright, US Secretary of State from 1997-2001. In 2000, she was also elected an honorary doctorate of the University of Szeged.
Distinguished citizens of the prestigious institution
Yale University was the first American university to award medical degrees (in 1723). Founded in 1701, Yale became a prestigious institution in the first half of the 20th century for its high educational standards and outstanding research achievements.
“Yale University is at the forefront of RNA research. Among the faculty and researchers there, I spoke with Professor of Molecular Biology Joan A. Steitz after the graduation ceremony. The mRNA researcher is married to Nobel laureate Thomas A Steitz. She is also well acquainted with the work of Tamás Kiss, for example, who started at the University of Szeged." - Said Katalin Karikó, sharing her network of contacts and experiences at Yale University.
Pictured at the Yale University ceremony on May 23, 2022, are, front row from left to right, honorary degree recipients Jean Bennett (research physician), Caroline Shaw (musician), President Peter Salovey, Jill Lepore (historian), and Krista Tippett (journalist). Back row: Orlando Patterson (sociologist), James. E. Clyburn (public servant), Katalin Kariko (biochemist), and Myron Thompson (lawyer).
Photo by Joy Bush
Among Yale University notable students is the Hungarian-born Republican politician George Pataki, who served as Governor of New York State from 1995-2006. Among the US presidents who studied here are father and son George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush; and film actress Meryl Streep.
For example, Yale students were taught by László Lovász, formerly a successful mathematician at the University of Szeged, from 1993-1999.
Katalin Karikó, an alumnus, honorary doctor and research professor of the University of Szeged, was awarded an honorary degree by Yale University, making her the sixth honorary citizen of the prestigious institution of higher education.
SZTEinfo – I. Ú.
Translated by: D. M.
Photos by: Yale University
