Belgian physicist Francis Halzen wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics

American neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth, along with German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The prestigious honor was bestowed upon them on Monday for their groundbreaking work in developing optogenetics, a technique that employs light to regulate individual nerve cells in the brain.

The Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute announced the selection, citing the trio’s "discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics." Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Assembly, explained that optogenetics enables researchers to selectively activate or inhibit the function of specific nerve cells within a functioning brain.

Anna Wedell, a genetics professor and member of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine, remarked on the transformative potential of this method. She noted that optogenetics has ushered in a new era in neuroscience, allowing scientists to gain insights into how the brain processes information and how various neurons interact across the entire brain structure.

The Nobel Prize in question will be shared among the laureates, with each receiving 12 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million). Further announcements regarding the winners of the 2026 Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics are expected in the coming days. The Nobel Peace Prize winner is set to be announced on Friday.