The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2026 was awarded to Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University, Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University in Berlin, and Georg Nagel of the University of Würzburg in Germany. The three researchers were recognized for their work on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, techniques that allow scientists to control the activity of individual nerve cells using light.
Deisseroth, 54, Hegemann, 71, and Nagel, 73, have developed methods that the Nobel committee noted are now widely employed in research facilities globally to investigate brain function and structure. The committee emphasized the significance of their contributions to understanding how neural activity can be precisely manipulated and studied.
The announcement was made at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, marking the beginning of Nobel Prize week. Committee secretary Thomas Perlmann reported successfully reaching all three laureates by telephone on the day of the announcement. The prize carries a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $1.2 million.
This year’s medicine prize follows last year’s award to three researchers focused on immune system studies. The announcement initiates a week of Nobel Prize presentations, with the physics prize scheduled for Tuesday, chemistry for Wednesday, and literature for Thursday. The peace prize will be awarded on Friday, followed by the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on October 12.
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