The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine this year has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for their research on light-sensitive ion channels and the development of optogenetics. The names of the laureates were announced on Monday by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, traditionally marking the start of Nobel Week. The main achievement of the scientists was the creation of a method that allows selectively activating or, conversely, suppressing the work of individual nerve cells in a living brain using light. Today, this technology is widely used in research laboratories around the world. It helps researchers study the principles of brain function, neural networks, and the mechanisms of various neurological diseases. In fact, optogenetics has provided scientists with a tool that allows them to observe the activity of specific cells and test their role in behavior, memory, emotions, and other brain functions. Nobel Week is just beginning. The winner of the Physics Prize will be announced on Tuesday, the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday, the Literature Prize on Thursday, and the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The Economics Prize will traditionally be awarded the following Monday. This year, the Nobel Prize amounts to 12 million Swedish kronor, which exceeds one million euros. BREAKING NEWS The 2026 #NobelPrize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel “for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.” https://t.co/pkDDEBWtkz— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 5, 2026
