Five things to know about the Nobel Prize
Alfred Nobel’s prestigious awards carry a rich history of political tension, surprising age records, and strict rules that govern who can receive them.
The Nobel Prize, established in 1901 by the legacy of inventor Alfred Nobel, honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to humanity. The prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Medicine, are announced between October 5 and 12, with the official ceremonies held in December. Over the years, various challenges have faced laureates attempting to attend these events due to political or personal circumstances.
Despite a 1974 rule barring posthumous awards, exceptions have been made in certain cases, such as when recipients passed away shortly before the announcement. As of 2011, women have held only 68 out of the 633 Nobel Prizes awarded, representing roughly 10% of all recipients. In the science fields, this representation is even lower, with only five women having won Nobel Prizes in physics, three in economics, eight in chemistry, and 14 in medicine.
Marie Curie, the first woman laureate in 1903, remains the only woman to have won two Nobel Prizes, one in physics and another in chemistry. Alfred Nobel, the founder, was renowned for inventing dynamite but also had a passion for English poetry, penning verses to ease his depression and enhance his command of the language.
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