Amity University honours Nobel laureate Roger D Kornberg with honorary doctorate

Amity University Uttar Pradesh has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) on Nobel laureate Professor Roger D Kornberg, recognising his landmark contributions to science and research.

The university also conferred an Honorary Professorship on Professor Yahli Lorch, Professor (Research) in Structural Biology at Stanford University School of Medicine, acknowledging her contributions to scientific research and education.

Professor Kornberg, a renowned American biochemist and Winzer Professor of Medicine in the Department of Structural Biology at Stanford University School of Medicine, was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his studies on the molecular basis of eukaryotic transcription — the process by which cells copy genetic information from DNA into RNA.

Accepting the honour, Professor Kornberg said he was deeply honoured to receive the recognition from Amity University and praised the institution for expanding educational opportunities for students in India and across the world.

"It is a privilege to be associated with an institution that places such strong emphasis on education, scientific research, and innovation," he said.

Reflecting on the role of scientific curiosity, Kornberg said innovation takes two forms — discovery and its application for the benefit of humanity. He cited the discovery of X-rays as an example of how scientific breakthroughs can emerge without an immediate practical solution in mind.

"Therefore, a problem should be solved by curiosity; the solution will automatically follow," he said.

Congratulating the two scientists, Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President of Amity Education Group, said the university seeks to build an academic environment that promotes advanced research, innovation and nation-building through education.

He said Professor Kornberg's Nobel Prize-winning research and Professor Lorch's contributions to structural biology represented the highest standards of scientific excellence.

"Recognising such eminent global scholars is a moment of great pride for the Amity fraternity, and it reinforces our commitment to making Amity a top global university and a leading global centre of knowledge and research," Chauhan said.

Professor Yahli Lorch, while accepting the Honorary Professorship, said she was deeply honoured by the recognition.

"Amity is among the top 3 per cent of institutions globally, and it will achieve greater milestones in the years ahead while making meaningful contributions to scientific advancement and global development," she said.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Atul Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said honouring scientists and academicians of the stature of Professor Kornberg and Professor Lorch was a matter of immense pride for the university.

He said their contributions to scientific research and their commitment to advancing human knowledge reflected the academic excellence Amity seeks to promote.

Chauhan also urged students to draw inspiration from Kornberg's scientific journey by taking on difficult problems without fear, persevering through challenges and working towards solutions that can contribute to society.

The recognition of the two Stanford scientists highlights Amity University's efforts to strengthen its association with internationally recognised researchers and promote a culture of scientific inquiry, innovation and academic excellence.