mRNA vaccine science

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Who

Drew Weissman, American immunologist who grew up in a Jewish family, with his research partner Katalin Karikó (not Jewish).

When

2005 (key discovery); vaccines 2020

Where

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó discovered in 2005 how to modify mRNA so it could be used safely in the body, the breakthrough behind the COVID-19 vaccines. They shared the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Weissman, who grew up in a Jewish family, has spoken publicly about his Jewish heritage.

Part of “The Gifts of the Jews” — verified Jewish contributions to the world, with sources.