IVAA Editorial
When I was 7 years old, already immunized with routine pediatric vaccines, busy memorizing the names of the planets in the solar system in a school in Bangladesh, events leading to the next big breakthrough in the world of vaccines were just beginning to unfold somewhere in the United States. Too often two young scientists at the University of Pennsylvania were finding themselves fighting over a photocopy machine to copy research articles from latest journals. For the biochemist, the initial impression of the new Immunologist at the university was that of a “photocopy-hogger”. Soon, the (then) assistant professor harbouring a vision of using mRNAs as therapeutics would warm up to the Immunologist with a keen interest in dendritic cells. The two started comparing papers, discussing their understanding of them, and exchanging scientific insights. Decades later, at my late 20s, I was queuing up in front of a health centre in Dhaka along with hundreds of my masked fellow citizens. After months of complete standstill in our lives, we were beginning to sigh a breath of relief. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccine had started all over the country. The one we received was the result of the relentless work of the photocopy machine buddies- Biochemist Dr. Katalin Karikó and Immunologist Dr. Drew Weissman.
Although COVID is far from over, the world today has succeeded to emerge out of its dire pandemic state to return to near normalcy. Much of this we owe to scientists, professionals, and people whose combined efforts lead to timely research, development, production, and roll-out of these vaccines all over the world. As of March 2023, over 72% of the world’s population have received at least one dose of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection, a large proportion of them benefiting from either of the two mRNA-based vaccines, products of the dedication of these two scientists, aptly bringing them the honour of 2023 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine.
This marks the second time the Nobel prize came Vaccine’s way after Virologist and Physician Max Theiler received the honor for developing the yellow fever vaccine. As the biomedical science fraternity celebrates the mRNA pioneers, the duo looks ahead to the countless possibilities of using the mRNA technology to change lives- be it as a treatment of sickle cell anemia in Africa or leptospirosis in Southeast Asia. The vision passes on to the future visionaries. Graduates and students of Vaccinology within the IVAA family are both elated for the present and inspired for the future of mRNA-based therapy.
With pleasure, IVAA passes on heartfelt messages to the Nobel Laureates from some of these future minds of biomedical research.
“Your journey, marked by resilience and dedication, reminds us of the immense power of perseverance in the face of challenges. As a student of vaccinology who's lived through the COVID pandemic, your contributions have not only saved lives but have reignited a new hope of the difference we can make. Congratulations on this well-deserved win!”
Eugene Kusi Agyei, Alumnus, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi Promotion 2020-2022
"Congratulations to Prof. Karikó and Prof. Weissman on this very deserved recognition! Their journey is an inspiration to the world, but especially to all of us vaccinologists. I had the honour of attending Prof. Karikó’s honorary conferring at University College Cork this year, and was left completely in awe of her perseverance, strength, and readiness to inspire everyone around her. So many lessons to be learnt from this years Physiology or Medicine Nobel Laureates!"
Inés Có Rives, Alumnus, Lady Mary Montagu Promotion 2018-2020
“Congratulations to the Nobel Laureates and a big thank you to Prof. Karikó for your presentation last December on the VaxinLIVE symposium - I felt truly inspired by your story and I'm so happy that after so many push-backs you got acknowledgement for your remarkable work.”
Florian Gegenfurtner, Alumnus, Sarah Gilbert Promotion 2021-2023
“As a vaccinology graduate currently pursuing a PhD in the same ethos, I am filled with joy and aspiration that this year’s Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine goes to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. To me, madam Karikó is the quintessential scientist: patiently persevering while remaining humble, someone truly to look up to. This is a win that resonates with every passionate scientist as well as the vaccine community.”
M Saleh Yunus, Alumnus, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi Promotion 2020-2022
"Professor Kariko serves as an inspiring role model for women in the field of science, embodying perseverance and determination.
I will never forget the speech she she gave us which emphasized the value of passion for science over monetary motivations, maintaining trust in the process despite adversities, and fostering forgiveness towards those who may have wronged us. Her honesty and humility left a lasting impression on me.
We had the pleasure of learning about the mRNA technology she co-developed, which opened a new chapter in the history of Vaccinology. Congratulations on the Nobel prize, a recognition truly well-deserved!"
Sara Abdel Malak, Alumnus, Sarah Gilbert Promotion 2021-2023
“Congratulations to Drs. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman on their well-deserved Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. Their recognition brings to mind the inspiring VaxInLIVE symposium at the University of Antwerp in 2022, where Dr. Katalin Karikó delivered an exceptional presentation on her scientific journey.
Dr. Karikó's dedication to mRNA therapy and unwavering belief in its potential left a profound impression on me. Her journey, marked by numerous challenges such as grant rejections and career demotions, showcases an inspiring resilience and a deep passion for her work. I am honoured to be a part of Katalin Karikó's Promotion of the Erasmus Joint Master in Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE+). Dr. Karikó's lifetime achievements serve as a valuable lesson for aspiring vaccine scientists. Her story embodies the "Karikó's spirit," emphasizing the importance of resilience and a genuine love for research and development. It reminds us of all that with determination and passion, remarkable advancements in science and medicine can be achieved.”
Iyiola Oladunjoye, M2 Student Master LIVE, Katalin Karikó Promotion 2022-2024.
Editorial by Dr. Adhara Madhuri, Alumnus, Sarah Gilbert Promotion, on behalf of Team IVAA