Drexel University has become the twentieth institution to confer an honorary doctorate on Katalin Karikó. As previously reported, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist was invited as guest of honor to the Philadelphia university’s commencement ceremony, held on May 14, 2026.
Katalin Karikó returned to Drexel University in 2026, following her participation in the university’s 30th anniversary celebration of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program the previous year. Photo courtesy of drexel.edu
Symbols of strength and courage
Powerful symbols and meaningful messages feature prominently in the
video recording of Drexel University College of Medicine’s commencement ceremony. Among them is the Dragon, the Philadelphia university’s official mascot. Members of the Drexel community are known as the Dragons – a symbol of strength and wisdom that helped shape the spirit of the celebration. The ceremony itself took place at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, where university leaders welcomed graduating students in black academic gowns and caps, along with guests gathered to celebrate the College of Medicine’s Class of 2026. The event was presided over by Dean
Charles B. Cairns and Drexel President
Antonio Merlo.
Antonio Merlo (left), President of Drexel University, presents the honorary diploma to Katalin Karikó, while Charles B. Cairns, Dean of the university’s College of Medicine, places the Dragons scarf on the Nobel laureate’s academic gown. Photo courtesy of drexel.edu
The symbol of honor and recognition
The ceremony’s sole guest of honor, Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó, professor at the University of Szeged, wore an academic gown accented in green – the color traditionally associated with the Faculty of Science and Informatics at her alma mater in Szeged. The choice carried added symbolism in Philadelphia, where green is also the distinguishing color of Drexel University College of Medicine. Marking the occasion further, a gold ceremonial adornment placed over her gown signified the honorary doctorate bestowed upon her.
Charles B. Cairns delivered the laudation for the honoree, highlighting Katalin Karikó’s four decades of contributions to science and her pioneering research into RNA-mediated mechanisms, which ultimately laid the foundation for the development of in vitro-transcribed mRNA for protein therapy. The tribute also reflected on her connection to the University of Szeged in Hungary, where she earned her PhD and now serves as a professor.
In recognition of these achievements, Katalin Karikó’s honorary doctorate – one of Drexel University’s highest distinctions – was formally conferred through a diploma issued by the university’s Board of Trustees. The document bears the institution’s founding year, 1891, alongside its three-word motto: “ART, SCIENCE, INDUSTRY.”
Six lessons from a life in science
As commencement speaker, Katalin Karikó stepped to the podium carrying with her another powerful symbol from Szeged: the griffin featured on the University of Szeged’s coat of arms. Specifically, the emblem appeared on a folder from her alma mater, which she opened as she began to deliver her address. Depicted as a mythical creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, the griffin symbolizes wisdom, courage, loyalty, and vision. Behind the emblem lies a long institutional history: the University of Szeged traces its roots to the academy founded by István Báthory in Cluj in 1581, while its modern chapter in Szeged began in 1921. Both dates appear on the coat of arms, where the griffin raises the torch of knowledge high above its head, reflecting the spirit of the university’s motto: “VERITAS. VIRTUS. LIBERTAS.”
Katalin Karikó framed her commencement address around six lessons drawn from her own life and career in science.
“First of all, number one: Love your work and take care of yourself,” Professor Karikó told the Class of 2026. Closely connected to this, she added: “Learn to handle stress!”– recommending János [Hans] Selye’s book The Stress of Life to the American university students. Moving on to her third message, she urged graduates to direct their energy where it can truly make a difference: “Focus on what you can do! You always focus on things that you can change, that you have an effect on.” She then turned to the importance of self-belief and personal perspective. “Do not compare yourself to others! Remember: Your only meaningful comparison is with the person you were yesterday,” she said. Building on that idea, her fifth message was simple but powerful: “Please, believe in yourself,” followed by a fitting sixth recommendation: “Find the right partner for your life!”
Bringing these lessons together, Katalin Karikó brought her remarks to a close with a call to curiosity, resilience, and generosity: “Class of 2026: Stay curious! Work hard on the things that matter to you! Do not be discouraged by setbacks and by those who underestimate you! Wherever life takes you, encourage others and open doors for those who will come after you!”
Professor Karikó wrapped up her address by returning to the value of time itself. “Many things have changed in the 45 years since I was where you are today,” she said, “but one thing hasn’t changed: you still also have only 24 hours in a day. Use them wisely! Now go on and make this world a better place for all of us!” The Nobel laureate’s closing words were met with a prolonged standing ovation from the Dragons.
Original Hungarian article by Ilona Újszászi
Photos: drexel.edu
