The Nobel Prize originates from the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, who invented the dynamite. He was born on October 21, 1833, in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1867, Alfred invented a “safer-to-handle” explosive, dynamite. After his death on November 27, 1895, Alfred’s wills were revealed. His last will lift 94% of his worth to scientists who excel at physics, chemistry, physiology/ medicine, literature and peace. He quoted, that these prizes will be awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind”. Thus, after 5 years, the Nobel Prize foundation was established and the first prizes were awarded. In 2023, a total of 11 laureates were awarded the Nobel prizes. 

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For Physics, 3 scientists including Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier were awarded the Nobel Prize for their research on electrons, which has given “humanity a new tool to explore the world of electrons inside atoms and molecules”. They have shown ways to create extremely short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid processes in which electrons move or change energy. 

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For Chemistry, 3 scientists including Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimow were awarded the Nobel prizes for the discovery and development of quantum dots, which are tiny particles that have unique characteristics that help spread light from TV screens or lamps. Quantum dots are catalyzed in a chemical reaction, and their clear light allows the illumination of tumour tissue. This has helped increase development within our medical industry as well.

 

For Physiology or Medicine, 2 scientists including Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel prizes for their development of effective mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. During a global pandemic, these two scientists have made a critical discovery about how mRNA interacts without the immune system, thus, creating a vaccine which would save thousands of lives.

 

For Literature, the Norwegian author, Jon Fosse was awarded the Nobel prize “for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable”. His works written in Norwegian Nynorsk and within various genres of plays, novels, poetry collections, essays, children’s books and translations have captured many people’s attention. Today, he is one of the most widely performed playwrights in the world. 

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For Peace, the human rights advocate, Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel prize for her “fight against the oppression of women in Iran” along with her protests to promote human rights and freedom. Her braveness in fights against oppression towards women in Iran has led to devastating personal costs such as a prison sentence of a total of 13 years along with 154 lashes. Despite these costs, she still stands up for women’s freedom and rights in Iran. This year’s prize is also dedicated to hundreds and thousands of people who have taken action against Iran’s discrimination and oppression targeting women. 

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For Economics, Claudia Golden was awarded the Sveriges Riksbank prize for her research on income differences within genders. She has given insights into women’s historical roles in the labour market discovered new patterns, and identified its reasons while suggesting a core reason why the income gap between genders still exists. Her dedication towards the analysis of sources and data has given new insights and perspectives to our society.