Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda French Gates will receive honorary doctor of medicine degrees from Karolinska Institutet for their contributions to global health through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A special conferment ceremony will be arranged in Stockholm next January.
The honorary award is bestowed by the Board of Research at Karolinska Institutet. In their citation, the Board commends Bill and Melinda Gates for their active and long-term contributions through their foundation to improving human health where there is the greatest need. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports healthcare provision in poor countries and finances research to develop effective measures against the most serious global health problems.
"The Gates Foundation's science-based approach to global health ensures that the money they contribute is put to the most effective use," says Jan Carlstedt-Duke, Dean of Research at Karolinska Institutet.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has contributed almost $7.8 billion to date to support global health programs.
This year, Karolinska Institutet has appointed three additional honorary doctors (two in medicine and one in dentistry), who will be receiving the symbols of their new status (ring, diploma and cap) at the annual conferment ceremony in May in the Stockholm City Hall.
For further information, contact:
Professor Jan Carlstedt-Duke, Dean of Research
Tel: +46 (0)8-524 864 70 or +46 (0)70-792 40 85 (mobile)
jan.carlstedt-duke@ki.se
Karolinska Institutet is one of the leading medical universities in Europe. Through research, education and information, Karolinska Institutet contributes to improving human health. Each year, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. For more information, visit ki.se
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world. In developing countries, it focuses on improving health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology in public libraries. In the United States, the foundation seeks to ensure that all people have access to a great education and to technology in public libraries. In its local region, it focuses on improving the lives of low-income families. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates. For more information, please visit www.gatesfoundation.org