Hungary | Nobel Prize-winning scientist Katalin Karikó, professor at the University of Szeged and pioneer of mRNA research, has achieved one of the rarest distinctions in American science by becoming a member of all three United States National Academies.Karikó was formally welcomed into the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2026, completing what is often called the “Triple Crown” of U.S. scientific recognition. She had previously been elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2022 and the National Academy of Engineering in 2025.Her groundbreaking work on mRNA technology transformed modern medicine and played a crucial role in the development of life-saving vaccines. The academies recognized her contributions across multiple fields, including fundamental biochemical research, medical innovation, and bioengineering breakthroughs involving lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.Only around thirty scientists in the United States have been elected to all three academies, placing Karikó among the world’s most respected scientific figures. Her achievements also highlight the global influence of Hungarian science and the University of Szeged’s role in international research.During her visit to Washington, Karikó also presented her autobiography Breaking Through: My Life in Science, sharing personal experiences from her scientific journey and discussing the challenges researchers face in academia and innovation.
Source: University of Szeged
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