This week marks the exciting announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prizes, starting with the prestigious award for medicine or physiology. These globally recognized awards, which span across various fields such as physics, chemistry, literature, and peace, come with not only 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million) but also the opportunity for global fame. From scientists to writers, the Nobel Prizes are known for rewarding those who have made exceptional contributions to humanity.
The Legacy of the Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel, a wealthy Swedish inventor, who stated in his will that his fortune should fund “prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” The first awards were given in 1901, after legal battles over Nobel’s will. Nobel designated specific institutions to present the awards: the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for Chemistry and Physics, the Swedish Academy for Literature, Sweden’s Karolinska Institute for Medicine, and the Norwegian Parliament for Peace. The reason Nobel chose Norway for the Peace Prize remains unclear, but the tradition continues. In 1968, the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was added, funded by a donation from Sweden’s central bank.
Celebrated and Controversial Laureates
Throughout the years, the Nobel Prize has honored individuals who have changed the course of history. Iconic figures like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Nelson Mandela are among the celebrated laureates. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa, known for their impactful leadership and humanitarian efforts, have also received this prestigious award. However, not all prizes have aged well. For instance, Egas Moniz’s 1949 prize for developing the now-banned practice of lobotomy has drawn criticism over time. Likewise, several peace prizes, including those awarded to Henry Kissinger, Yasser Arafat, and Shimon Peres, have sparked controversy. The committee’s decision to overlook Mahatma Gandhi for the Peace Prize is still regarded by many as a significant oversight.
A Day of Grandeur: The Nobel Festivities
The Nobel Prize ceremony takes place on December 10, Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary. The Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo by the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s chairman, while the Swedish king presents the other awards at Stockholm’s Concert Hall. Following the ceremony, a grand banquet is held in Stockholm City Hall, attended by around 1,300 guests. Months of preparation go into the banquet, which features an elaborate menu designed by top chefs and approved by the Nobel Foundation. The menu often highlights Scandinavian flavors, such as last year’s inclusion of baked beetroot with seaweed cream and sturgeon caviar as a starter, followed by cod loin stuffed with king crab.
The Nobel Prize continues to celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals who strive to benefit humankind. As we look forward to this year’s announcements, the prize’s legacy reminds us of the power of human innovation and compassion. Whether celebrated or critiqued, the Nobel Prize is an undeniable symbol of greatness. Watch for this year’s laureates as they take their place in history.
