Randy Schekman, Nobel Laureate and world-renowned scientist with Moldovan roots is in the Republic of Moldova for the first time. The visit program began with the presentation of the insignia of Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences, followed by a public lecture by the famous American scientist, entitled “My Path to the Nobel Prize.”
“It is a unique event for us. Professor Schekman, through his fundamental research, has contributed to one-third of the industrial production of insulin today due to his research,” emphasized Tudor Braniște, Ph.D.
Randy Schekman came to the Republic of Moldova at the invitation of the Academy of Sciences, with which he has been collaborating since 2019. Today, he was awarded the insignia of Honorary Member of the Supreme Scientific Forum.
“We want to integrate into the European research space, and bring research excellence to our country, and excellence can only be achieved through collaborations with world-renowned personalities like Mr. Randy Schekman. We had a very close collaboration during the pandemic; Professor Schekman provided information on the development of the life-saving vaccine,” said Ion Tighineanu, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.
The distinguished guest was welcomed by the U.S. Ambassador to Chisinau, Kent D. Logsdon.
“This is the first time I have seen a Nobel Laureate, an American citizen with Moldovan roots; it’s amazing!” emphasized Kent D. Logsdon.
Randy Schekman said that the path to the Nobel Prize began at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by studies at other universities. It took 30 years of work and research to reach the Nobel Prize. In this context, he also mentioned his Moldovan origins.
“Every Nobel Laureate is required to complete a questionnaire describing their family history. Thus, I discovered that my grandparents emigrated from Basarabia to the U.S. in 1927. I will definitely go to Lipcani to visit my great-grandparents’ graves,” said Randy Schekman, Nobel Laureate.
Today, the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy honored Randy Schekman with the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa.
“This title is awarded to the most outstanding individuals, and we do this for the prestige of Alma Mater, the prestige of our country, medicine because he is a great personality with Moldovan origins,” mentioned Emil Ceban, Rector of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Randy Schekman was born on December 30, 1948, in the capital of the State of Minnesota. He studied at the most prestigious universities and in 2013 became a Nobel Laureate for the discovery of an important cell transport system.