Why was the Nobel Prize created?
Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who invented dynamite, left a will instructing that his fortune be used to reward those who had conferred the greatest benefit on humankind — and the prizes have been awarded since 1901. Today they're considered the highest honor in each field.
Is there a more detailed list of laureates?
Yes — this page covers an overview of all six categories. For the complete history of winners and their achievements, see ourNobel Prize in Literature andNobel Prize in Physics pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Nobel Prize in Economics established so much later than the others?
Alfred Nobel's will didn't include economics as a category. Sweden's central bank established it separately in 1968 in his memory, with the first prize awarded in 1969. Its formal name is also different: "The Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel."
Can one person win the Nobel Prize more than once?
Yes — Marie Curie won the Physics Prize in 1903 and the Chemistry Prize in 1911, becoming the first person ever to win Nobel Prizes in two different categories.