Biochemist Kariko made honorary citizen of Szeged
Kariko, who filed the patent for the mRNA technology that is used in the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, was bestowed the status by Szeged Mayor Laszlo Botka.
In his laudation, Botka called Kariko an “excellent scientist and researcher who gave hope to humanity during the pandemic”.
Kariko graduated from the University of Szeged with a degree in biology in 1978 and was the recipient of a state scholarship for three academic years.
She worked toward her PhD at the Szeged Biological Research Centre in 1978-1982 and was awarded her doctorate in 1983. She later did research as a biochemist in the United States.
Kariko visits alma mater
While in Szeged Katalin Kariko visited her alma mater, the University of Szeged.
Kariko, senior vice president of BioNTech, discussed potential cooperation with university researchers and pledged her assistance to university leaders to help the University of Szeged “advance to even higher levels in various areas of research”.
She will return to Szeged in November to be presented an honourary doctorate from the university.
Kariko participated in the University of Szeged’s programme for fostering young talent already as a pupil in the town of Kisujszallas and she went on to complete her university studies in Szeged in 1973-1978. She worked toward her PhD at the Szeged Biological Research Centre in 1978-1982 and was awarded her doctorate in 1983. She later did research as a biochemist in the United States.
