The Nobel Prize-winning research professor, Dr. Katalin Karikó, from the University of Szeged held a seminar for the university’s students on 12 October, 2023. Dr. Karikó answered the questions submitted by students regarding education, research, and healing in a Hungarian and an English-language discussion led by SZTE students. Florabelle, the President of the Local Student Board at the University of Szeged, Hungary, was one of the fortunate members of the EUGLOH community who had the opportunity to attend this event. She shares her experience:
My EUGLOH Story:
I had the incredible privilege of attending a special session featuring Dr. Katalin Karikó, the most recent Nobel Prize Winner in Physiology or Medicine.
As the President of the EUGLOH student board and a Ph.D. student in Biology, her words deeply resonated with me. Dr. Karikó talked about how universities are places where we form lasting friendships, that can evolve into valuable networks. She emphasized how these relationships shape us, reminding me of how EUGLOH facilitates such connections. Being part of this organization and getting a chance having the opportunity to attend international courses has been a great way to build friendships that could lead to professional collaborations in the future.
As a fellow researcher, her words inspired me particularly when she said that we're not just "searchers" but "re-searchers”, highlighting the persistence and dedication that defines our work. She also shared that she remains to be the curious little girl who never let missed opportunities get her down. I totally agree with this; we will definitely face setbacks and disappointments in pursuit of something great, but isn’t this what fuels us to persevere even more?
Listening to her was truly heart-warming. It was a reminder that what I'm doing now is meaningful and will pay off in the future. But most of all, what truly encouraged me is her consistent message which she shares in almost all her interviews: the importance of believing in someone’s potential to do great things.
Let this also serve as my open letter to the EUGLOH community at the University of Szeged and my Doctoral School. Feeling your support so tangibly in my pursuits is something that fuels me to do achieve more. And for that, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for believing in me!