WORLD - Every October, the Nobel Prizes draw global attention to discoveries, ideas and contributions that have had a significant impact on humanity. The 2026 announcements began on October 5 and will continue through October 12, with the six prize categories announced separately throughout Nobel Week.

The six categories are Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences. As of October 7, the winners of the first three categories have been announced, while the laureates in Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences are still to be revealed. The announcements are broadcast live through the Nobel Prize’s official digital channels.

The Nobel Prizes were established according to the will of Swedish inventor and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel, who directed that his fortune be used to reward those who have provided the greatest benefit to humankind. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901. The Prize in Economic Sciences was established later, in 1968, by Sweden’s central bank, Sveriges Riksbank, in memory of Alfred Nobel.

Physiology or Medicine: October 5

The first 2026 award was announced on October 5, when the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel.

They were recognized for discoveries concerning light-sensitive proteins and the development of optogenetics, a technique that allows scientists to use light to control the activity of nerve cells. Their work has provided researchers with new ways to study how specific neural circuits function.

Physics: October 6

On October 6, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Francis Halzen for his pioneering contributions to the detection of high-energy neutrinos from outer space.

His work was central to the development of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, which uses thousands of sensors embedded in Antarctic ice to detect neutrinos. These particles can travel across enormous distances, allowing scientists to study some of the most energetic processes in the universe.

Chemistry: October 7

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was announced on October 7 and awarded jointly to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai.

They were recognized for their pioneering work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their research contributed to scientists’ understanding of chemical reactions involving molecules that exist in two mirror-image forms, an area with important applications in chemistry and pharmaceutical research.

Literature: October 8

The Nobel Prize in Literature is scheduled to be announced on October 8 by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm.

The award recognizes an author whose literary work is considered to have made an important contribution to the field. The 2026 laureate had not yet been announced as of October 7.

Peace: October 9

The Nobel Peace Prize will follow on October 9. It will be announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo, making it the only Nobel Prize announced outside Sweden.

The Peace Prize recognizes individuals or organizations whose work is considered to have contributed to peace. The 2026 laureate had not yet been announced as of October 7.

Economic Sciences: October 12

The final award of Nobel Week will be the Prize in Economic Sciences, scheduled for October 12.

Its official name is the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. It will be announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. The 2026 laureate or laureates had not yet been announced as of October 7.

Who Announces the Prizes?

Although all six prizes are announced during the same Nobel Week, different institutions are responsible for selecting and announcing the laureates. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet awards the Physiology or Medicine Prize, while the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is responsible for the Physics, Chemistry and Economic Sciences prizes.

The Swedish Academy selects the Literature laureate, while the Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the Peace Prize in Oslo.

When Will the Nobel Prizes Be Awarded?

The announcements will conclude on October 12, completing the 2026 Nobel Prize laureate list. The winners will then take part in Nobel Week activities before receiving their Nobel medals, diplomas and prize awards during ceremonies held on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.