The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) hosted the three scientists who won the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA) 2022: Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, Dr. Katalin Kariko, and Dr. Drew Weissman, to honour their invaluable contributions to scientific knowledge.
The primary objective of hosting these scientists is to share their success stories and draw from their experiences to boost research and academia in the UAE. The MBRKA 2022 was awarded to these winners for their remarkable global contributions in producing and disseminating knowledge.
The MBRKA ceremony was held in December 2022 in conjunction with the Youth Knowledge Forum, which was organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The scientists shared their experiences, research methodologies, and approaches with MBRU students, faculty, and staff via three presentations. The presentations were held in the presence of several international researchers and faculty members and the academic, scientific, and medical communities. The winners also visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Medical Research Institute at the Al Jalila Foundation.
CEO of the MBRF, Jamal bin Huwaireb, highlighted the significance of encouraging creators and innovators who play an instrumental role in knowledge development worldwide. The UAE has made significant strides towards achieving a knowledge-based society, he said, adding that this holistic approach aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Since its inception in 2014, the MBRKA has been committed to positioning itself as a leading global platform that highlights the significant contributions of various organisations and individuals worldwide in innovation, knowledge, and research.
Professor Stefan Du Plessis, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the MBRU, said: "The three scientists were honoured with the MBRKA prize in recognition of their significant role in developing MRNA vaccines and sharing information on SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19), as well as their outstanding efforts and contributions to the dissemination of knowledge globally.
Dr. Zhang, a PhD holder from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, examined the variety, evolution, ecology, and transmission of viruses, which allowed for rapid research to be carried out in several locations, resulting in the development of several vaccines.
Dr. Katalin Kariko, a biochemist and researcher, invented the modified MRNA technology utilised in Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Kariko discovered a method to modify the MRNA, and later created a delivery technique to place the MRNA in lipid nanoparticles. This allowed MRNA to reach the proper part of the body and trigger an immune response.
Dr. Drew Weissman developed the modified MRNA technology used in vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infection. He holds an MD-PhD, and runs a laboratory specialising in the biology of the innate immune system and the study of RNA.