The 2022 Science for the Future Solvay Prize has been awarded to Katalin Karikó, Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) and Professor at the University of Szeged (Hungary), for her work on the biochemical modification of synthetically produced messenger RNA (mRNA), which has enabled the rapid development of vaccines.

Her research was most notably used by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna to build COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which have saved many lives. It could also help fight other diseases like cancer, infection from influenza, malaria or HIV in the future. Professor Karikó has dedicated her 40-year career to using RNA as a therapeutic, with chemistry as a key element to modify the mRNA to avoid the risk of rejection by the immune system.

“I am thrilled and honored by this recognition,” said Professor Karikó. “I look back on my long journey with gratitude to all those who helped me to get there: my supportive family, my inspirational teachers, mentors and colleagues.”

mRNA is the genetic script that carries DNA instructions to each cell’s protein-making machinery, directing them to make their own medicines. In 2005, professor Karikó, co-discovered that when a modified uridine such as pseudo uridine, which is present in the tRNA (transfer RNA), was incorporated into the in-vitro synthesized mRNA made it non immunogenic. This was the start of subsequent studies leading to generating the optimal mRNA for therapies, and the potential for many applications in human health care.

“Professor Karikó is truly reinventing scientific progress,” said Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay. “As the second woman to win the award, she is such an inspiration and I am so proud to grant her this prize on behalf of Solvay, whose founder actively promoted science for the good of humanity and future generations. Through her incredible determination, she has achieved a major advancement for humankind that will revolutionize the treatment of many diseases. Congratulations, Professor Karikó!”

Created in 2013, the Solvay Prize recognizes a scientist for major discoveries that highlight the essential role of science and chemistry in helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The 2022 award continues the legacy of Ernest Solvay and marks the 100-year anniversary of the first Solvay Conference on Chemistry.

The award ceremony will be held at the Palais des Académies in Brussels on March 29 in the presence of His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium.