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Since 1901, the Nobel Prizes have been awarded to individuals or organisations who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”, as established in the will of Alfred Nobel.
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Every year, the Nobel Prizes are awarded in six fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, economic sciences, and peace. Let’s look at the Nobel laureates for 2026.
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For decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.
Francis Halzen
Nobel Prize in Physics
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He realised that ice at the South Pole could be used to track particles known as neutrinos, which are tiny, fundamental subatomic particles. It is ubiquitous but very difficult to detect.
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For their discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Henri B. Kagan, Kenso Soai
Nobel Prize in Chemistry
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The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 recognised the discoveries that have enabled chemists to drive chemical reactions that lead to homochirality, the Nobel Committee said.
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For their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
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The Nobel Assembly awarded the three scientists for discoveries that enabled researchers to control nerve cells using light (optogenetics), transforming the study of the brain.
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For her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature.
Anne Carson
Nobel Prize in Literature
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“Anne Carson has, throughout her entire career, combined poetry writing with translation work and teaching at various universities,” the committee said.
For her efforts to promote peace and international law.
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay
Nobel Peace Prize
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“This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted,” the Nobel committee said.
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For microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.
Robert E. Hall, Michael Woodford
Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences
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They have been awarded for the development of new macroeconomic models that have “significantly improved our ability to implement effective stabilisation policy.”
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