Three scientists have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research that has helped scientists understand how specific nerve cells in the brain can be switched on and off.
The laureates are Karl Deisseroth, 54, of Stanford University in California; Peter Hegemann, 71, of Humboldt University of Berlin; and Georg Nagel, 73, of the University of Würzburg in Germany.
The Nobel Committee announced the winners on Monday, October 5, at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, marking the start of this year’s Nobel Prize week.
The scientists were recognised for their pioneering work on light-controlled ion channels and the development of optogenetics. Their discoveries have enabled researchers to control the activity of specific neurons using light, providing powerful new ways to investigate the brain and nervous system
According to the Nobel Committee, the methods developed by the three scientists are now being used in laboratories around the world to explore the mechanisms underlying brain function.
Thomas Perlmann, secretary of the Nobel Committee, said he had managed to reach all three laureates by telephone following the announcement.
The Medicine prize is the first Nobel award to be announced this year. The 2026 Nobel Prize carries a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to roughly $1.2 million.
The Nobel announcements will continue on Tuesday with the Physics Prize, followed by Chemistry on Wednesday and Literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, while the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is scheduled to be announced on October 12.
Last year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists for discoveries concerning the immune system.
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