The Nobel Prizes for 2025 have begun, with the first award for medicine announced. Scientists Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi received this honor for their work on “peripheral immune tolerance.” Their discoveries could change how we treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
This week will reveal awards in several categories: physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics, culminating on October 13. Each prize is considered one of the highest achievements in its field.
What Are the Nobel Prizes?
The Nobel Prizes are prestigious awards established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist known for inventing dynamite. In his 1895 will, he designated his fortune to honor those who have significantly benefitted humanity, with the first prizes awarded in 1901. In 1968, a new category for Economic Sciences was added.
Who Awards the Prizes?
Different institutions present the prizes:
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards prizes for physics, chemistry, and economics.
- The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet honors medicine.
- The Swedish Academy recognizes literature.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee presents the Peace Prize.
Each winner receives a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (around $1.2 million). The official ceremonies occur on December 10, marking the anniversary of Nobel’s death.
2025 Nobel Prizes Schedule
Here’s what to expect this week:
- October 6: Medicine
- October 7: Physics
- October 8: Chemistry
- October 9: Literature
- October 10: Peace
- October 13: Economics
How Are Nominees Chosen?
Nominations are confidential and can be submitted by a select group of experts, past winners, and academics each year before January 31. The lists remain private for 50 years, and self-nominations are not allowed, although candidates can be nominated multiple times.
Why Watch the Peace Prize Closely This Year?
This year, the Nobel Peace Prize draws attention due to global unrest, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the war in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed he deserves the prize for “ending seven wars,” even though experts doubt his chances.
Ylva Engstrom, from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, expressed concerns over the political landscape, emphasizing the dangers posed by a lack of academic freedom under the Trump administration.
Ceremony Highlights
The Nobel ceremonies are grand events held in Stockholm and Oslo. In Stockholm, laureates receive their awards from the Swedish king, while in Oslo, the Peace Prize is presented at Oslo City Hall. These events attract global attention and are telecast to viewers around the world.
Last Year’s Winners
In 2024, notable winners included Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discoveries in medicine, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for advancements in physics and machine learning, and Han Kang for literature. The Peace Prize went to Nihon Hidankyo, a group dedicated to nuclear disarmament, showcasing a strong commitment to global peace.
These achievements and ongoing discussions surrounding this year’s Nobel Prizes highlight significant contributions across various fields, reminding us of the power of research and innovation in creating a better world.
For detailed information about the Nobel Prizes, you can check the official Nobel Prize website.
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