First awarded in 1901, the Nobel Prize medals depict Alfred Nobel (1833-1896).
© Nobel Media. Photo: Alexander Mahmoud
Awarded for “the greatest benefit to humankind”
Between 1901 and 2022, the Nobel Prizes and the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel were awarded 621 times to 1,000 people and organisations. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, and based on the fortune of Alfred Nobel, Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize. Each prize consists of a medal, a personal diploma, and a cash award.
A person or organisation awarded the Nobel Prize is called Nobel Prize laureate. The word “laureate” refers to being signified by the laurel wreath. In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors as a sign of honour.
See a full list of all Nobel Prize laureates.
Explore prizes and laureates
2023 Nobel Prizes
Crash course – 2023 Nobel Prizes
How much do you know about the discoveries awarded the 2023 Nobel Prizes? Take our one-minute crash course on each of the prizes and find out how each have changed our world.
Women who changed the world
Inspirational women
Literary mastery, pioneering science, life-saving discoveries and actions for peace and human rights – achievements of women around the world awarded the Nobel Prize.
Read more about the awarded women
Who did what?
How many awarded women can you match?
Can you match the right laureate with the right discovery? Have a try!
Prize categories
Nobel Prize in Physics
1901-2023: 117 prizes awarded to 225 laureates.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry
1901-2023: 115 prizes awarded to 194 laureates.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1901-2023: 114 prizes awarded to 227 laureates.
Nobel Prize in Literature
1901-2023: 116 prizes awarded to 120 laureates.
Nobel Peace Prize
1901-2023: 104 prizes awarded to 141 laureates.
Prize in economic sciences
1901-2023: 55 prizes awarded to 93 laureates.
The Nobel Prize
Questions and answers
Why is there a Nobel Prize?
Do you have questions about the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Prize laureates? Find answers to the most commonly asked questions in the FAQ.
What do the laureates receive?
Nobel Prize diploma
Each diploma is a unique work of art, created by leading Swedish and Norwegian artists and calligraphers. Look at some of the diplomas here.
Nobel Prize medal
The front of the gold Nobel Prize medals depict Alfred Nobel. The image on the reverse varies according to the institution awarding the prize. Read more about the medals.
The prize amount
The current amount is at SEK 11 million per full Nobel Prize. A Nobel Prize can be awarded to up to three laureates who share the prize sum. Find out more about the prize amounts throughout history.
Featured laureates
Marie Curie, née Sklodowska
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1911 in recognition of her services to the advancement of chemistry by the discovery of the elements radium and polonium, by the isolation of radium and the study of the nature and compounds of this remarkable element.
The Nobel Prize in Physics 1903 in recognition of the extraordinary services they have rendered by their joint researches on the radiation phenomena discovered by Professor Henri Becquerel.
Malala Yousafzai
The Nobel Peace Prize 2014 for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.
Albert Einstein
The Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.
Rabindranath Tagore
The Nobel Prize in Literature 1913 because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West.
Karl Landsteiner
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1930 for his discovery of human blood groups.
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Nobel Peace Prize 1964 for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field, I've delved deep into the fascinating world of the Nobel Prizes, tracing their origins, evolution, and impact on humanity. My passion for this subject extends beyond casual interest; I've scrutinized the intricate details of each prize category, laureates, and the historical context that surrounds these prestigious awards.
The Nobel Prizes, established in 1901 and now totaling 621 awards between 1901 and 2022, including the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, embody a legacy rooted in the vision of Alfred Nobel. These international accolades, administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, have recognized outstanding contributions that bring "the greatest benefit to humankind."
A noteworthy addition to the Nobel family is the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, established in 1968. This prize reflects the importance of economic advancements in memory of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prizes. Each laureate, whether an individual or organization, receives a medal, a personal diploma, and a cash award.
The term "laureate" used for those honored by the Nobel Prize harks back to ancient Greece, where laurel wreaths symbolized honor and victory. In this context, laureates are individuals or entities signified by the laurel wreath, showcasing their exceptional achievements.
The diversity of Nobel Prize categories is extensive, spanning Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and the Economic Sciences. The breakdown of prizes awarded in each category up to 2023 reveals the breadth of recognition, with Physics leading at 117 prizes, followed closely by Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine.
The unique design of the Nobel Prize diploma, crafted by renowned Swedish and Norwegian artists and calligraphers, adds an artistic touch to the recognition. The gold Nobel Prize medals depict Alfred Nobel on the front, while the reverse features an image specific to the awarding institution.
Beyond the symbolic trappings, laureates also receive a substantial cash award, with the current amount set at SEK 11 million per full Nobel Prize. Notably, a Nobel Prize can be awarded to up to three laureates who share the prize sum.
The article highlights featured laureates, including luminaries such as Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Malala Yousafzai, Rabindranath Tagore, Karl Landsteiner, and Martin Luther King Jr. These individuals have left an indelible mark on history, contributing to fields ranging from physics and literature to peace and medicine.
In essence, the Nobel Prizes stand as a testament to human achievement and progress, acknowledging those whose contributions have shaped our world for the better. The meticulous selection process, the rich history, and the enduring impact of Nobel laureates make this topic a captivating exploration into the heights of human ingenuity and compassion.
