Dr. Katalin Kariko and others who contributed to the development of the new coronavirus vaccine at the meeting of the winners of the "Japan Prize", which is given to researchers who have made outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology, were held on the 15th. Three people attended.
The "Japan Prize" is an annual award given by the Japan Prize Foundation to researchers who have made outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology that contribute to the peace and prosperity of humankind. The award ceremony was held on the 13th. Following that, on the 15th, a meeting of the three winners of this year was held.
Of these, Dr. Katalin Kariko, senior vice president of the German biotechnology company "Biontech", which paved the way for the application of the genetic substance messenger RNA to medical treatment and contributed significantly to the development of the new corona vaccine, said, "Originally, the vaccine was made. Instead of trying, I continued my research because I wanted to use messenger RNA as a medicine. The development of the vaccine for the new coronavirus was not for the benefit, but for the ethical sense of duty. "
In addition, Professor Drew Weissman of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, who collaborated with Dr. Kariko and received the award, said, "We are currently developing a vaccine that is effective against various mutant viruses. It will be completed in a few years. I think the future is very bright. "
Christopher Field, a professor at Stanford University in the United States, who received the award for research on the absorption of carbon dioxide by plants and its impact on climate change, said, "Climate change countermeasures not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also protect nature. It is important. I hope that developed countries such as Japan will cooperate in global forest conservation as international leaders. "