Katalin Karikó Accepts Szeged Honorary Title

"Dr. Katalin Karikó has accepted the title of honorary citizen of Szeged. It is a great honor for all of us," the mayor of the southeastern Hungarian city of Szeged, László Botka announced Tuesday evening.

"Our city, our country, and the whole world can be grateful to her for her exceptional scientific work in the development of the first authorized coronavirus vaccine. We are looking forward to welcoming the Professor and her family home to Szeged," the mayor added.

Szeged has always had a special place in the life of Katalin Karikó, according to the local website Szeged.hu. she founded her scientific career with the knowledge she gained in the city. After graduating from the university, she started working at the Biological Research Center in Szeged, and then conducted her research work in the United States. Katalin Karikó and her colleagues made a breakthrough in the fight against the coronavirus. The scientist met her husband in Szeged, she married here and their daughter was born there as well. Katalin Karikó will personally receive the award on City Day, May 21st.

The Hungarian scientist and her research partner, Drew Weissmann developed the basis for the most promising coronavirus vaccines in the 2000s. The joint BioNTech/Pfizer’s vaccine and the American Moderna vaccine have also been developed based on theit research.