Learn About the Nobel Prize Through the Work of Laureates Past and Present
Logan Brody
Each year, Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics are awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” In 2023, eleven laureates were awarded this distinctive prize. Their work and discoveries range from the groundbreaking findings behind the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 to the courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy. During Nobel Week, December 6-12th, celebrations and events take place in Stockholm, Sweden […]
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Mountain Lake PBS
Each year, Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics are awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”

In 2023, eleven laureates were awarded this distinctive prize. Their work and discoveries range from the groundbreaking findings behind the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 to the courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy. During Nobel Week, December 6-12th, celebrations and events take place in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway as well as digitally. Each year’s laureates give lectures describing the history and background of their discoveries, literature, or globally impactful work, and the annual Nobel Prize Concert is held to honor them all. An award ceremony on December 10th takes place, celebrating the laureates on the anniversary of the prize founder Alfred Nobel’s death.

The Nobel prizes were conceived of in 1895 by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, when he signed his last will and testament, committing his vast fortune to establishing awards in an original five categories. It wasn’t until 1901 that these prizes were awarded to the first Nobel Laureates — a term inspired by Ancient Greece, where laurel wreaths, or crowns made of branches and leaves, were bestowed on athletic and poetic victors as a sign of honor. In 1968, Sweden’s central bank, Sveriges Riksbank, established a sixth prize: The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

Bring the achievements of past Nobel Prize laureates to life with a selection of PBS LearningMedia videos, activities and lesson plans below. Ready-to-use Nobel Prize Lessons and animated games are also available for educators courtesy of the Nobel Prize’s Education Network.

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Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics

Nobel Prize Laureates in Chemistry

Nobel Prize Laureates in Physiology or Medicine

Nobel Prize Laureates in Literature

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates

Nobel Prize Laureates in Economic Sciences