The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 to “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin” Francis Halzen realised that ice at the South Pole could be used to track particles known as neutrinos. His vision and scientific leadership have been fundamental for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory – a cubic kilometre of ice that is equipped with light sensors. Using IceCube, researchers can capture neutrinos from extremely energy-rich processes in the distant universe. Press release Popular information: Ice at the South Pole reveals cosmic particle accelerators Scientific background © Johan Jarnestad/The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” Francis Halzen has laid the foundation for an entirely new type of astronomy. His idea was to use glacial ice at the South Pole to capture the secretive particles called neutrinos. The result was the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which can track neutrinos that originate in the distant cosmos. Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach Have you heard about the IceCube Neutrino Observatory? Ellen Moons, Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics. 120 physics prizes have been awarded since 1901 See all physics prizes and laureates physics prizes have been awarded since 1901 25 years old: the youngest physics laureate Read about the 1915 laureate Lawrence Bragg years old: the youngest physics laureate 96 years old: the oldest physics laureate Read about the 2018 laureate Arthur Ashkin years old: the oldest physics laureate Can you match the right physics laureate with the right discovery? Have a try! To understand how the brain forms memories, feelings and behaviours has long been a dream for researchers. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries leading to optogenetics, which makes it possible to switch on, or off, the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain. This method is now being used in laboratories around the world to reveal the brain’s mysteries. Press release Popular information: A light-sensitive algal protein energised neuroscience Scientific background: Optogenetics. Discovery of a neuronal switch © The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine. Ill. Mattias Karlén Karl Deisseroth was working on a paper late into the night when the call came from Stockholm. Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach Listen to Peter Hegemann speak about the pleasure of sharing the award with friends. Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach Georg Nagel received the news in Italy on a sun-drenched terrace, overlooking olive trees. Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach Did you know that light could be used to trigger individual nerve cells? Francis Halzen Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 Karl Deisseroth Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 Karl Deisseroth Peter Hegemann Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 Georg Nagel Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 Do you have what it takes to become a Nobel Prize laureate? We asked representatives from the committees who decide the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Peace Prize to provide some insight into what qualities they look for in a discovery, body of work or achievement. Read more about the prize-awarding institutions. The call from Stockholm woke 2023 medicine laureate Katalin Karikó. Find answers to your questions in the FAQ. September Nomination starts From September, thousands of people from all over the world are invited to nominate for the following year’s prizes. For the peace prize, an invitation letter is not required. Nomination starts

From September, thousands of people from all over the world are invited to nominate for the following year’s prizes. For the peace prize, an invitation letter is not required. 31 January Deadline for nominations The deadline for submissions is midnight on 31 January. Deadline for nominations The deadline for submissions is midnight on 31 January. February–September Evaluation process Submitted nominations are considered by a Nobel committee of 5 to 10 members. Committees review the candidates, consult with experts and narrow down their list with the help of evaluation reports. Evaluation process Submitted nominations are considered by a Nobel committee of 5 to 10 members. Committees review the candidates, consult with experts and narrow down their list with the help of evaluation reports. October Final vote After months of evaluation and discussion of candidates, the prize-awarding institutions take a final vote to select their newest laureates. After months of evaluation and discussion of candidates, the prize-awarding institutions take a final vote to select their newest laureates. First Monday in October Announcements The prizes are announced over a span of eight days. The prizes are announced over a span of eight days. 10 December Nobel Day The laureates receive their medals, prize money and diplomas in Stockholm and Oslo. The laureates receive their medals, prize money and diplomas in Stockholm and Oslo. The Nobel Prize quiz How much do you know about the Nobel Prize? Test your knowledge in this quiz! How many individuals can share the same prize? Which invention is Alfred Nobel most known for? When was the first Nobel Prize awarded? Why are the Nobel Prize award ceremonies held on 10 December each year? Who selects the Nobel Prize laureates each year? All the Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm except one. Which one? Which family is the most successful when it comes to number of awarded Nobel Prizes? One organisation has been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize three times. Which one? British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1953. In what prize category? What year was the first prize in economic sciences awarded? The first design of the Nobel Center project is here – a public building in Stockholm, Sweden for science, literature and peace. It will be an international symbol of knowledge, focusing on the Nobel Prize laureates’ stories and groundbreaking achievements. Read more about the project. View from the water along the quay. The Nobel Center consists of four interconnected volumes that relate to the buildings of Södermalm and the size and height of the buildings in Gamla stan, on the other side of the water. The choice to use a wooden frame and reclaimed bricks reduces the impact on the environment. Bricks have characterised the architecture of Stockholm for centuries. The red shade is found in Stockholm’s classic brick buildings, such as City Hall. © Onirism/Nobel Prize Outreach Explore powerful moments and life-changing discoveries. Sign up for the monthly newsletter Join thousands of global subscribers enjoying the free monthly Nobel Prize highlights, trivia and up-to-date information. Join thousands of global subscribers enjoying the free monthly Nobel Prize highlights, trivia and up-to-date information. How much do you know about blood types? Try out in this game. Learn about conditioned reflexes in this interactive game. This fast-paced game relies on a keen knowledge of food containing vitamin B1. Ada Yonath died on 31 August 2026, aged 87. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009 “for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome.” Hideki Shirakawa passed away on 24 August 2026 in Yokohama, Japan, aged 90. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2000 “for the discovery and development of conductive polymers.” Rudolph Marcus passed away on 16 July 2026, aged 102. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1992 “for his contributions to the theory of electron transfer reactions in chemical systems.” Susumu Tonegawa died on 11 July 2026, aged 86. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1987 “for his discovery of the genetic principle for generation of antibody diversity.”