The 2026 Nobel prizes for science - The Economist

Six Nobel Prizes will be announced this week, covering the traditional categories of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics and peace. The awards are scheduled for the customary early‑October ceremony in Stockholm, with the peace prize to be presented in Oslo.

The science awards—physics, chemistry and physiology or medicine—recognise research that has produced a transformative impact on its field. The physics prize honors a breakthrough that has reshaped understanding of fundamental forces, while the chemistry prize celebrates advances that have opened new pathways for sustainable chemical processes. The medicine prize acknowledges work that has significantly improved the treatment or prevention of disease.

The literature prize will be awarded to an author whose body of work has demonstrated outstanding literary merit and universal relevance. The economics prize will recognize a contribution that has deepened insight into economic theory or practice, and the peace prize will honor an individual or organization that has made a substantial effort toward the promotion of peace.

The announcements will be accompanied by detailed citations outlining the specific achievements of each laureate. The Nobel Committee’s statements will be made publicly available following the award ceremony, providing context for the significance of each contribution.

These awards continue the tradition of honoring individuals and groups whose work has had a lasting influence on humanity, reflecting the Nobel Foundation’s commitment to recognizing excellence across a broad spectrum of human endeavour.