2024 Nobel Prize Winners: Full List and Achievements Across Categories
The Nobel Prizes for 2024 have been awarded, honoring some of the most significant contributions to humanity across various fields. The laureates this year have made groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace, shaping modern science, technology, and society.
In this article, we delve into each category, highlighting the winners and their remarkable contributions that have changed our understanding of the world.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun
American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNAs, small molecules that play a pivotal role in gene regulation. Their research has provided new insights into cellular behaviors linked to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Published in 1993, their groundbreaking work demonstrated how microRNAs bind to messenger RNA, controlling the production of proteins vital to cellular function.
Nobel Prize in Physics: John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for their pioneering work in integrating statistical physics with artificial neural networks. Their contributions have propelled machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), enabling complex pattern recognition across vast datasets. This work has far-reaching implications, from particle physics to everyday technologies like facial recognition. Ellen Moons, Chair of the Physics Committee, acknowledged their work’s broad applications while urging ethical considerations for AI’s rapid development.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry: David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to David Baker for his pioneering work in computational protein design, alongside Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their AlphaFold2 AI model, which predicts the structures of over 200 million proteins. These advancements are critical for understanding how proteins function, impacting areas like medicine and nanotechnology. Their work offers significant practical benefits, such as combating antibiotic resistance and developing environmental solutions.
Nobel Prize in Literature: Han Kang
South Korean author Han Kang received the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2024 for her profound and poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and the fragility of life. Han’s writing explores the delicate ties between body and spirit, life and death, and the weight of societal expectations. Her unique literary voice has redefined contemporary prose and earned her global recognition for works such as The Vegetarian and Human Acts.
Nobel Peace Prize: Nihon Hidankyo
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Formed in 1956, this group has been at the forefront of the anti-nuclear movement, sharing personal testimonies to highlight the devastating effects of nuclear warfare. Their efforts have reinforced the global “nuclear taboo,” urging the world to continue working towards nuclear disarmament.
2024 Nobel Prize Winners: Full List
| Category | Winners | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Physiology or Medicine | Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun | Discovery of microRNAs |
| Physics | John J. Hopfield, Geoffrey E. Hinton | Advancements in AI and machine learning |
| Chemistry | David Baker, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper | Protein structure prediction and design |
| Literature | Han Kang | Poetic prose exploring human fragility |
| Peace | Nihon Hidankyo | Advocacy for nuclear disarmament |
What are the Nobel Prizes?
The Nobel Prizes are a set of prestigious awards presented annually in recognition of significant contributions in the fields of physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics.
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024?
The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization representing survivors of nuclear bombings in Japan, advocating for nuclear disarmament.
What is the significance of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2024?
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2024 was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for their breakthroughs in protein structure prediction, which has vast implications for medicine and technology.
