Fred Ramsdell and Three Others Awarded 2025 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet today announced the recipients of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Fred Ramsdell, a UCLA alumnus, along with colleagues Katalin Karikó, Drew Weissman, and Pieter Cullis, for their groundbreaking discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines.
The award recognizes the scientists’ pivotal work in overcoming significant barriers to mRNA technology, paving the way for the rapid creation of vaccines against COVID-19. Ramsdell’s contributions focused on lipid nanoparticle delivery systems, crucial for safely transporting mRNA into cells. This breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in vaccinology and has implications for treating a wide range of diseases.
Ramsdell, reached during a previously planned off-grid vacation, expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating, “It’s quite a shock, to be honest. I was hoping for some peace and quiet, but this is a wonderful interruption.” The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded annually by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in science. More information about the Nobel Prizes can be found at NobelPrize.org.
The Nobel Prizes continue to be announced throughout the week, with the Physics prize awarded yesterday and prizes for Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences still to come. The awarding of the Nobel Prize often elevates public awareness and funding for the winning field of research, accelerating further innovation.
The official award ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 10th, and the laureates will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish krona.
