Katalin Karikó in the National Inventors Hall of Fame

At the gala evening in the US capital, the Hungarian Nobel laureate was joined by fellow researcher Drew Weismann in receiving one of the most prestigious awards of the US innovation and patent profession, the Hall of Fame. In addition to them, some 10 other scientists and inventors have been recognized.

The US-based Hungarian biochemist, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Szeged, told MTI after the award ceremony that it is not the prizes that motivate her to continue his research, but "the knowledge that people are suffering and that solutions must be found."

She noted that "it is important that we can help people." She added that when he reads about an award and who has received it before, she is always surprised to find that she is one of them.

Katalin Karikó said she was touched to meet people whose inventions are used all over the world in everyday life and with whom she is now on the same panel.

She also noted that not only is her daughter, an Olympic and world champion, now a member of the Sports Hall of Fame, but she is also part of the similar circle of scientists.

Szabolcs Takács, Hungary's ambassador to the US, stated that "we are very proud that Katalin Karikó has always emphasized her Hungarian identity and her Hungarian roots."    

The Hall of Famous American Inventors was established in 1973 in cooperation with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Over the past 50 years, some 610 scientists, innovators and inventors from the United States and around the world have become members. The first inventor to be honored in 1973, long after his death, was Thomas Edison.