Rewards and obstacles
It is undeniable what kind of shadow the Nobel Prizes have in society. And it is important not only what is rewarded, but also to whom the recognition is given, since it becomes a reference. In this sense, for many it has been really rewarding to have been awarded Katalin Karikó.
Karikó will receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology, together with Drew Weissman, for his advances in the development of mRNA vaccines. Considering that these vaccines were essential to overcome the COVID-19 crisis in some way, few have been surprised by the decision of the Karolinska Institute. What’s more, some thought it would be delivered last year, so this year it is considered that last year’s mistake has been resolved. And especially happy are those who know the trajectory of Karikó. In fact, until a few months ago, the rewards have been few and the many obstacles and inconveniences.
Some of them are evoked by Karikó himself in his interviews with the prize. He makes it clear that he did not receive grants for mRNA research for most of his career. And he mentioned three of the reasons behind it: Having received training at a Hungarian university, not having a well-known mentor and not having published an article in the journal Nature.
He began his career as a researcher at the University of Szeged in his hometown of Hungary. From there, he moved to the United States, without money but with a strong desire for work. In addition to enthusiasm, resources are necessary, however, and, as Karikó himself points out, money and fame are highly centralized in science, and if you are not close to this center, you have no money or fame.
On the other hand, being a woman didn't help her either. According to her, being a mother becomes a hindrance to level up. Wages are also falling, which makes it difficult for families to hire a babysitter. This means that mothers abandon their careers. He considers it a great loss, both personally and socially.
How many Karikó are left on the road? What have these people lost, and what has society as a whole, because they have not received enough support?
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