Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, organised a sensitization session themed “The Saga of Nobel Prize in Medicine 2023” for its MBBS students and faculty to commemorate this year’s Nobel prize in Physiology/Medicine 2023. The event was graced by Dr Pallab Ray, Ex-Head of Department of Microbiology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, as the chief guest.

The students were made aware about the history behind this honour that is given to those who have made significant contributions in the field of Chemistry, physics, physiology/medicine, literature and peace for the benefit of humankind. The research done by the Nobel laureates Katilyn Kariko & Drew Weissman , that formed the basis for two effective mRNA vaccines by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, has enabled us for a successful fight against SARSCoV-2 virus worldwide and have contributed significantly to the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MBBS students depicted their rendition via an informative roleplay. The biochemical , microbiological and pharmacological aspects behind the research and development of COVID mRNA vaccine was discussed with the students by faculty to encourage their young minds for integrated learning.

While addressing the gathering, Dr Pallab Ray highlighted the immense role of this discovery in saving us from a deadly pandemic and how microbiology is always around us. Dr Bhavneet Bharti, Director Principal, motivated the students to be inspired by these researchers, to have a vision in life to excel in all your endeavours and to never give up in the face of hardships and set higher benchmarks for success. She rewarded the team by offering them a token cash award of 8000 as incentive where the actual award is approximately 8 crores Indian rupees. The event concluded with a note of thanks.