In 1996, Peter Doherty, a Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, received an unexpected 4 a.m. call in his Tennessee home. He initially feared for his parents in Australia, only to learn he had won the Nobel Prize. The moment, initially startling, transformed his life and set a tone for the prestige of the award.
The Nobel Prizes, established in 1901 by Alfred Nobel, honor excellence across physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics. These awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of intellectual achievement.
While there is no guaranteed formula, many laureates share common characteristics: a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a willingness to challenge established paradigms, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. For example, Robert Koch’s discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium and Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership of the U.S. civil rights movement exemplify the breadth of impact recognized by the Nobel Committee.
Direct involvement in research increases the likelihood of recognition. Ralph Steinman, a 2011 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, conducted pioneering work on dendritic cells and even tested experimental vaccines on himself, demonstrating the deep personal investment often seen among laureates.
Laureates frequently excel at translating complex science into accessible language. Their ability to communicate beyond specialist circles amplifies the societal impact of their discoveries and aligns with the Nobel’s mission of advancing human knowledge.
Nomination is handled by committees established by Alfred Nobel’s will. Individuals cannot self‑nominate; instead, respected peers submit nominations. Nominations can be made repeatedly, as illustrated by Jane Addams’ 91 nominations before winning the 1931 Peace Prize. Selection timelines vary by category: for most awards, nominations close in February and winners announced in October.
Critics argue the process can be subjective and may favor individual careers over specific achievements. Some laureates receive the prize years after their seminal work, reflecting the time needed for the scientific community to recognize its significance. Conversely, figures like Mikhail Gorbachev received the Peace Prize promptly after actions that reshaped global politics.
High publication volume, extensive collaboration, and a robust citation record are common among laureates. Studies suggest that the top 0.1 % most cited researchers in their fields have a higher probability of receiving a Nobel.
The 2020 Nobel Prize award was SEK 10.0 million per full prize.
In 2020, 12 individuals and organizations received the award: Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel, and Andrea Ghez (Physics); Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna (Chemistry); Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles M. Rice (Medicine); Louise Glück (Literature); the World Food Programme (Peace); and Paul R. Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson (Economics).
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a laureate is “a person who is honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement.”
Between 1901 and 2020, 934 individuals and 28 organizations have been awarded the Nobel Prize. Posthumous awards are not permitted.
The inaugural Nobel Peace Prizes in 1901 were awarded to Henry Dunant and Frédéric Passy, while Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (Physics), Jacobus Henricus van ’t Hoff (Chemistry), Emil Adolf von Behring (Medicine), and Sully Prudhomme (Literature) received the first prizes in their respective categories.
