The Nobel Prizes in natural sciences have developed to become a unique measure of scientific excellence. Using archival documents, which have been released (50 years secrecy) for scholarly work, the author expertly traces the strengths and weaknesses of the Nobel system as exemplified by individual prizes. Surveys of the more than 100 years that the Prizes have been awarded are also presented.
This book discusses the most important prize in the world of science and gives unique historical insights into how the laureate selection process has developed to secure optimal choice.
No other book has been published which draws from previously classified archival materials to the extent that this book does. It indirectly deals with factors that foster scientific discoveries viz. the role of both individuals and institutions and thus provides invaluable insights for researchers, institutions and anyone interested in science.
Alfred Nobel at the age of about 30 years. [Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.] |
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Alfred Nobel's mother, Andrietta. [Oil painting by Anders Zorn. Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.] |
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The Nobel year. The process of selection of Nobel Prize recipients is initiated as early as May–September the preceding year by listing the persons to be invited to nominate candidates. During the year when the prizes are awarded there are three particularly critical dates (weeks); January 31 – the last day of nomination; the first full week in October — announcement of the prize recipients in different fields on different days; and December 10 (Alfred Nobel's death day) — prize award ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo. |
Nobel's house in Paris on Avenue Malakoff. It was used both as his home and laboratory (1873–1881). [Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.] |
Crick receiving his Nobel Prize from the hands of His Majesty King Gustaf VI Adolf. Watson and Wilkins wait in the background for their prizes. [© Scanpix Sweden AB.] |
Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: More than a Century of Nobel Prizes (831 KB)
Chapter 2: Serendipity and Nobel Prizes (636 KB)
Contents:
- More than a Century of Nobel Prizes
- Serendipity and Nobel Prizes
- Nobel Prizes and the Emerging Virus Concept
- The Only Nobel Prize for a Virus Vaccine: Yellow Fever and Max Theiler
- Polio and Nobel Prizes
- Unusual Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine
- Nobel Prizes and Nucleic Acids: A Drama in Five Acts
- Nobel Prizes, Prions and Personalities
Readership: General.
“Nobel Prizes and Life Sciences serves as a guiding light for young scientists. Erling Norrby shows that serendipitous events, reorienting the pathway of science, often occur through the actions of dedicated individuals with unique cultural backgrounds, an original sense of values, and firm principles. Norrby's experience highlights the significant challenges committee members face in wisely selecting Nobel Prize winners, challenges of which the recipients, myself included, are largely unaware.”
Ryoji Noyori
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 2001
“The rich and incisive content of Norrby's book illustrates how the Nobel Prize rewards new discovery, the products of exploration beyond the edge of the known and safe and into the vast spaces of the unknown and mysterious … Awardees often have broad interests beyond their specialty that ornaments their imagination and allows them to see order and value in the seeming chaos of the natural world. The examples of Nobel life sciences research that Norrby has chosen illustrate the importance of chance observation that are the products of exploration, and an appreciation of the famous warning of Heraclites, ‘If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it; for it is hard to be sought out, and difficult’.”
Baruch S Blumberg
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, 1976
“This book provides a fascinating account of Nobel prizes in Life Sciences. As a virologist, the author expertly covered the background of significant early developments of this field and simultaneously discussed this in relation to more recent developments. Although the archives of the Nobel Foundation are only accessible prior to 1961, Erling Norrby, profoundly engaged in the Nobel Prize Committee for a long period of time, perfectly understood to link more recent decisions with the history of past awards. I congratulate the author and trust that this documentation will find the interest which it so well deserves.”
Harald zur Hausen
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, 2008
“This book offers its readers a presentation of high scientific quality, evaluating highlights in the history of science which are of great value for readers with a good general education and also those who are more scientifically specialized … It gives illustrious examples of the most striking advances within the life sciences during the 20th century. Informative, stimulating and very useful.”
Läkartidningen
“The book focuses on selected topics rather than providing inventories and this makes it an especially enjoyable read … Norrby generously shared his knowledge and experience with us through this book, which I wholehearted recommend to all interested in how the Nobel recognition of discoveries and discoverers works.”
Structural Chemistry
“This book can be strongly recommended to historians of science. I hope that, I have given enough examples of what it covers to encourage historians of science to read this fascinating and informative book.”
British Journal for History of Science
“Who but a scientist of the caliber of Norrby, closely connected with the Royal Swedish Academy and intimately associated with the process of selection of Nobel Prizes for several years can provide a better account of the intricacies of this process.”
Current Science
