Nobel Prize

Every year in early October, a select few individuals around the globe wait for a phone call from Sweden or Norway. It’s a call that can change their life and solidify their place in history. This is the moment they learn they’ve been awarded the Nobel Prize, arguably the highest honor for human achievement on the planet.

But what is the Nobel Prize, really? It’s more than just a gold medal and a handsome cash prize. It’s a legacy, a global symbol of progress, and a fascinating story that begins with the inventor of dynamite.

“Alfred Nobel’s legacy is a testament to the idea that creation can arise from destruction. He harnessed the immense force of dynamite not just to move mountains, but to move humanity forward.”

Ready to dive in? Let’s unpack the story behind the world’s most prestigious award.

The Surprising Will of a Dynamite Inventor: The Origin Story

The creator of the Nobel Prize was Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor. In 1867, he invented dynamite. While his invention made him incredibly wealthy, Nobel, a lifelong pacifist, grew increasingly dismayed by its use in warfare.

He wanted his legacy to be one that celebrated human progress, not destruction.

When his brother died, the very next day it was published that “The Merchant of Death is Dead” So, that’s why he decided to put all his money into creating the Nobel prize.

So, in his last will and testament, he made a revolutionary decision: he left the bulk of his vast fortune to establish five prizes, awarded annually to “those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.” This act stunned his relatives and established the framework for the awards we know today.

The Six Fields That Change the World: Nobel Prize Categories

Alfred Nobel’s will outlined five specific categories. A sixth was added much later.

1. Physics: For the most important discovery or invention in the physical sciences.
2. Chemistry: For the most important chemical discovery or improvement.
3. Physiology or Medicine: For the most outstanding discovery in the life sciences.
4. Literature: For the most outstanding work in an idealistic direction.
5. Peace: For the person who has done the most to foster fraternity between nations, the abolition of standing armies, and the promotion of peace.
6. Economic Sciences: This was not in Nobel’s original will. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was established in 1968 by Sweden’s central bank to honor a field that has a profound impact on our world.

From Nomination to Nobel: How Are Winners Chosen?

The selection process is famously secretive and rigorous. You can’t nominate yourself—you have to be nominated by a qualified person, such as a professor, a government official, or a previous Nobel laureate.

Here’s a simplified look at the journey:

• Nomination: Thousands of experts worldwide are invited to submit nominations.
• Evaluation: Nobel Committees at various Swedish and Norwegian institutions spend months researching the candidates’ work.
• The Vote: The prize-awarding institutions vote to select the laureates.
• The Call: The winners are notified, often just before the public announcement in October.

All deliberations and nominations are kept secret for 50 years, adding to the prize’s mystique!

A Look Back: The Titans of 2024

Last year, the world celebrated a remarkable group of laureates. From the groundbreaking work of John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton. For: “Foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks., to Han Kang (South Korea) that earned her the prize in Literature, the 2024 winners continued the Nobel tradition of honoring work that fundamentally changes our understanding of the world.

What’s Next? The Anticipation for the 2025 Nobel Prize

As we are now in July 2025, the committees are deep in their final deliberations. The world is already buzzing with speculation. Which scientists will be recognized for a breakthrough discovery? Which author will be honored for their life’s work? Which peacemaker will inspire hope?

The announcements will arrive in just a few months, in October 2025.

The Nobel Prize is more than just an award; it’s a yearly reminder of our species’ incredible capacity for creativity, compassion, and discovery. It celebrates the idea that a single person’s work can truly benefit all of humanity.