Spotlights | Penn Today

kariko and weissman at nobel press conference

A wrong number, a cryptic message, and a big Nobel win

Nobel Prize winners Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman share their thoughts on their newly minted honor at a University press conference.

Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman wearing lab coats.

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, Penn’s historic mRNA vaccine research team, win 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine

The highest honor was bestowed for foundational discoveries that gave the world a vaccine to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two actors in fencing gear performing on stage.

From the classroom to the international stage

At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, Penn students perform a play they learned in class.

The immune health future, today

Breaking the code of the immune system could provide a new fundamental way of understanding, treating, and preventing every type of disease. Penn Medicine is investing in key discoveries about immunity and immune system function, and building infrastructure, to make that bold idea a reality.

Climate Week 2023 highlights the links between biodiversity and the climate crisis

The climate crisis impacts everyone. During Climate Week at Penn, which will be held from Sept. 18-22, everyone is invited to find their place in the climate movement.

mitchell holston at a table during move in at lauder

People and Places at Penn: College Houses

College Houses model lifelong learning and provide a home away from home. Three house directors discuss their distinctive roles.

students studying the galapagos, sitting on waterfront

Social ecology and community work in the Galápagos

Undergraduate and graduate students spent two months on San Cristóbal Island this summer, doing research on antibacterial resistance, vectors of disease, climate change adaptation, and the impact of climate change on mental health.

class of 2027 stage at franklin field for convocation

At Convocation, students encouraged to take a ‘fisheye’ view

Kicking off the University’s 284th academic year, first-year and transfer students were advised to take a wide view during at least some of their time at Penn, expanding horizons and seeing the borderless nature of knowledge.

Penn President Liz Magill greets a student and their family on Locust Walk.

Making a home away from home at Penn

Friends and family from near and far helped the Class of 2027 move onto campus this week.

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