In 1983, 41 years ago, Karikó earned her doctorate from the University of Szeged, then known as József Attila University (JATE).
Most recently, Katalin Karikó 18th honorary doctorate from New York University. At the ceremony held at the Yankee Stadium, she put on the robe that comes with the honor of "Honorary Doctor of New York University". Photo: K.K.
At the top of ARWU
The biochemist, who began her journey as a biology major at JATE, received her first honorary doctorate as a world-renowned mRNA researcher at the University of Szeged’s academic year opening ceremony on September 4, 2021, where she donned the honorary gown for the first time. Since then, 17 universities have recognized her work with an honorary doctorate title.
The University of Szeged awards the title of Honorary Doctor, or Doctor Honoris Causa, to Hungarian and international figures in recognition of their outstanding scientific achievements. Rector Prof. Dr. László Rovó handed over the honorary doctorate certificate to Katalin Karikó, world-renowned biochemist and SZTE alumna, who wore the professor's gown of the SZTE Faculty of Science and Informatics. Photo: István Sahin-Tóth
As for Hungary, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) awarded the scientist working on the mRNA molecule with an honorary doctorate in 2022. The following European universities donated the honorary title to the researcher: in 2021, the Italian Humanitas University; in 2022, Radboud University of the Netherlands, as well as the Belgian Université libre de Bruxelles and the University of Geneva of Switzerland; in 2023, the Irish University College Cork.
Katalin Karikó's groundbreaking research on messenger RNA and her pivotal role in developing COVID-19 vaccines were recognized with the Doctor Honoris Causa title from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Photo: K.K.
The recognitions of Katalin Karikó, Nobel laureate alumna of the SZTE, forged strong connections with the University of Szeged with the most prestigious universities of the world outside Europe. In 2022, she donned the gown of Tel Aviv University in the Middle East, and in 2023, she was honored by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in Asia.
Dressed in the CUHK honorary doctorate gown, Katalin Karikó met students, answered their questions, and posed for photographs. Among her messages to the students, the correspondents covering the ceremony emphasized, "The founder of the mRNA vaccine (...) encourages young individuals to embrace curiosity and not give up". Photo: K.K.
In the United States, she received honorary doctorates from Duke University in 2021, Rockefeller University and Yale University in 2022, and Brandeis University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Rutgers University in 2023. Finally, in May 2024, two New York universities celebrated the now Nobel laureate.
"... Her commitment, determination, creativity, and flexibility inspire us all to persevere even with our boldest ideas," princeton.edu/news learned from the life story of Katalin Karikó, honorary doctor of Princeton University
Katalin Karikó's honorary doctorate links the University of Szeged with the best Hungarian institutions, with the top universities of the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Harvard University topped the list for the 22nd consecutive year, followed by Princeton at the 7th place. Yale is ranked 11th, Rockefeller University at 29th, and Duke University at 39th.
Katalin Karikó's former workplace, the University of Pennsylvania, is ranked 14th on the ARWU list. This also demonstrates that the Nobel laureate and her achievements have a significant impact on the ranking position of her current workplace and alma mater, the University of Szeged, since the latter is among the top 500 universities of the ARWU, the first among Hungarian institutions. This makes SZTE the best university in Hungary.
The University of Szeged is among the top five hundred universities of the ARWU, the first among Hungarian institutions. Photo: SZTE NKI
Three women in the spotlight
The graduation ceremony of the New York University (NYU) Class of 2024 took place at Yankee Stadium on May 17, 2024. 14,000 celebrants donned resplendent purple robes, and, among them, three women were awarded the NYU Honorary Degree: Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó, a professor at the University of Szeged and adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania; Martha Minow, an esteemed Harvard University graduate lawyer; and Tunisian businesswoman Ouided Bouchamaoui, who joined the work of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.
More than 14,000 students received undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees at NYU's 191st convocation at Yankee Stadium. Fresh graduates were celebrated by an audience of 26,000, including family members, friends, alumni, and teachers. Photo: Krish Dev for WSN
“My patron, Chandrika Tandon, donated $100 million to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She introduced me at the "fundraising dinner", a tradition at this private university where the wealthiest donors gather the night before the ceremony” – Katalin Karikó shared insights into the traditions of American private universities.
On behalf of the New York University honorees, Martha Minow, a legal scholar at Harvard University, delivered remarks. Photo: NYU
In her welcoming remarks, NYU President Linda G. Mills noted that it was the first time in the university's history that only women were awarded honorary degrees. "We appreciate the work of our three honorary doctors. They represent three different disciplines, business, science, and law, coming from three unique countries, Tunisia, Hungary, and the United States. Attendees at our graduation ceremony can witness each individual's commitment to transforming the lives of millions through their pursuit of peace and groundbreaking research. Together, we must engage in the tireless work needed to create a better world. Our differences reveal new ways of thinking and foster the essential connections we must build.”
According to her NYU eulogy, she is "a professor at the University of Szeged (Hungary) ... and the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Japan Prize, the Horwitz Prize, the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine", and was awarded an Honoris Causa doctorate from the University of New York. The NYU recognition was also welcomed by Katalin Karikó's patron, Indian-American businesswoman Chandrika Tandon (left). Photo: screenshot
Katalin Karikó, honorary doctor of NYU, SZTE alumna, honorary doctor, and professor, has also joined the extensive alumni network of New York University. The recognition of the world-renowned mRNA researcher was also supported by philanthropist Chandrika Tandon. The Indian-American businesswoman (from left) and her husband have made significant donations to engineering education, and the NYU Tandon School of Engineering is named in their honor. Photo: K. K.
Written by: Ilona Újszászi
Photos: Internet, screenshot
More information about Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó, honorary doctor and alumna of the University of Szeged, can be found on the SZTE News page and the website of the SZTE Klebelsberg Library.
