The world is preparing for the annual announcement of the Nobel Prizes, with the first awards being revealed this week. The ceremony will begin with the announcement of the Medicine/Physiology Prize on Monday and conclude with the Economics Prize announcement on October 13.
What Are the Nobel Prizes?
The Nobel Prizes recognize outstanding achievements in several fields:
- Medicine/Physiology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Peace
- Economic Sciences (established later)
Each prize comes with a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.2 million) and instant global recognition for the recipients.
The Legacy of Alfred Nobel
The prizes were established by Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel, who stipulated in his will that his fortune should fund awards for those who have contributed most to humanity. Nobel, famous for inventing dynamite, was also a polyglot and writer who mastered several languages by the age of 17.
Award Selection Process
The prizes are awarded by:
- Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Physics and Chemistry)
- Swedish Academy (Literature)
- Karolinska Institute (Medicine/Physiology)
- Norwegian Nobel Committee (Peace)
- Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Economic Sciences)
Notable Laureates
Throughout history, the Nobel Prizes have been awarded to luminaries such as:
- Scientists: Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Marie Curie
- Authors: Ernest Hemingway, Albert Camus
- World Leaders: Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa
The Award Ceremony
The prizes are presented annually on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. The Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo by the Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairman, while the other prizes are presented by the King of Sweden in Stockholm.
The ceremony is followed by a grand banquet at Stockholm City Hall, featuring a meticulously planned Nordic-themed menu prepared by Sweden’s top chefs. Last year’s menu included delicacies such as goat cheese with lovage, chicken quenelle with miso-glazed celeriac, and spruce-flavored desserts.
As the world awaits the 2025 Nobel Prize announcements, the legacy of Alfred Nobel continues to honour and inspire those who have made significant contributions to humanity across various fields.
