What is the Nobel Prize? In which categories is it awarded?

The Nobel Prize is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious awards. As every year, it is looking for its owners this year. So what is the Nobel Prize? In which categories is it awarded? Who are the Nobel Prize-winning scientists of our country?

In this article, you will find the answer to all your questions about the Nobel Prizes. Much more in our article.

What is the Nobel Prize?

The Nobel Prize is awarded to recognize the achievements of the owners of works and inventions that will make a great contribution to humanity internationally in the last year.

It is recognized as the most prestigious award known worldwide, awarded by the Swedish Academy to support academic achievements.

To better understand the Nobel Prize, it is useful to know its history. So who was the first Nobel Prize awarded and whose idea was it to give it? Let's take a look at this part together below.

What is the History of the Nobel Prize?

The Nobel Prizes have been awarded every year since 1896 with a ceremony organized by the Nobel Foundation in line with Alfred Nobel's will made in 1895.

The Nobel Prizes have been awarded every year since 1896 on December 10, the anniversary of the death of its founder Alfred Nobel.

In which fields are Nobel Prizes awarded?

This meaningful award is given to natural and legal persons and organizations in six different categories. Each award is delivered by a different committee.

The Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Economics are presented by the Karolinska Institute, while the Nobel Prizes in literature are awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Academy.

The Nobel Peace Prize winners are determined by a five-person jury selected by the Norwegian Parliament.

The categories in which the Nobel Prizes are awarded have diversified over the years and are now awarded in a total of 6 categories. Main Nobel Prize Categories;

1. Nobel Prize for Literature

2nd Nobel Prize in Economics

3rd Nobel Prize in Physics

4th Nobel Prize in Medicine

5th Nobel Prize in Chemistry

6th Nobel Peace Prize

Who is awarded the Nobel Prize?

The people who are entitled to receive the Nobel Prize are selected according to certain criteria. However, Nobel Peace Prize winners must have a certain status. The International Law Institutes determine the award candidates, especially among statesmen.

Information about the laureates and their work is provided in the statements made during the ceremony. The degrees and the order of delivery of the prizes vary according to category and status.

Here is what the Nobel Prize winners receive at the ceremony;

- Nobel diploma

- Nobel medal

- Cash prize (11 Million Swedish Krona approximately $990,000)

If there is more than one Nobel winner, the prize money is divided equally among the winners. In addition, the winner must give a lecture in order to receive the cash.

Turkish Scientists Who Won the Nobel Prize

Orhan Pamuk represented our country by receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006. Orhan Pamuk is the first writer in Turkey to win the Nobel Prize for his work "The Woman with Red Hair".

Ahmet Üzümcü was the first scientist to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013 for his work on the "Prohibition of Chemical Weapons".

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015 for his work in the field of chemistry and represented our country with this important achievement.

What Did Nobel Winners Do with the Prize Money?

In 1903, Marie and Pierre Curie, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics, used the amount they won to continue their scientific work. 1993 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine Richard Roberts built a croquet court with his winnings.

2001 Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse bought a luxury motorcycle with his cash prize.

2006 Nobel Prize winner in Physics John Mather donated his winnings to his foundation. Orhan Pamuk, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in the same year, opened the doors of the Museum of Innocence.

Who can nominate themselves for the Nobel Prize?

It is not possible for Nobel Peace Prize winners to nominate themselves. The individuals and organizations that can nominate the laureate are as follows;

- Members of the Institute of International Law

- Nobel Peace Prize nominees

- Former and current members and advisors of the Norwegian Nobel Committee

- Members of The Hague International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of International Arbitration

- University professors, rectors, directors and institute directors

- Board members of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organizations

- Heads of state, cabinet members and ministers in the current administration

Who is the Youngest Nobel Prize Winner?

The youngest Nobel laureate is Malala Yousafzai, a 17-year-old activist for children's right to education. The activist received her award in a grand ceremony in 2014.

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