Seven researchers involved in the development of vaccines against the coronavirus, including Katalin Karikó, won this year's Princess of Asturias Prize, also known as the Spanish Nobel Prize, in the science and technology category - the jury announced its decision on Wednesday in Oviedo.
In addition to the Hungarian biologist, the awardees include American immunologist Drew Weissman, German doctors Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci, Canadian biologist Derrick Rossi, British vaccinologist Sarah Gilbert and American biochemist Philip Felgner.
"The awarded researchers are the protagonists of one of the most outstanding events in the history of science. Their work is an excellent example of the importance of basic science in the protection of health on a global level," stated the jury in its justification.
According to the award, the scientific experts' long careers in basic research led to innovations that made it possible to create effective vaccines against the coronavirus in record time. In addition, the use of either messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines or adenovirus-based vaccines can be a source of hope for other diseases as well, the announcement states.
Out of 48 candidates from 17 countries, the seven researchers won the award, which comes with a cash prize of 50,000 euros (HUF 17.8 million) and a statue of the world-famous Joan Miró, which is traditionally presented in October in a ceremony in Oviedo in the presence of the Spanish royal family.
Source: MTI
Featured image: Hír TV.
