Labor pains in the early days of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry (original) (raw)
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This paper examines the early years of decision making in the award of the Nobel Prize in physics and chemistry, and shows how the prize became a tool in the boundary work which upheld the social demarcations between scientists and inventors, as well as promoting a particular normative view of individual scientific achievement. The Nobel committees were charged with rewarding scientific achievements that benefited humankind: their interpretation of that criterion, however, turned in the first instance on their assessment of the groundbreaking nature of the ‘science’, with the applied or practical ‘benefits’ of that discovery being treated as very much secondary factors in the award. Through an interrogation of the reports sent by the committees to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, this paper shows how committee members depended on a notion of ‘post-dated utilitarianism’ in reconciling potential tension between rewarding basic and applied science, and explores the ways in which ...
Nobel Nominations in Science: Constraints of the Fairer Sex
Annals of neurosciences, 2018
Nobel Prize is the highest honor in the scientific community that is bestowed for the contribution of eminent scientists in various spheres of science. Since its inception in 1901, many renowned scientists have received this award. However, when compared to men, women's share as recipients is abysmally low. Although the contribution of female scientists has tremendously increased in the last few decades, yet the lack of proportionate increase in recognition is conspicuous by its disproportionate number of women recipients. This paper addresses this issue and underlines some of the reasons contributing to an underrepresentation of women scientists among Nobel Laureates.
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For over eighty years the award of a Nobel Prize has been recognized as the supreme accolade in science and medicine. Until recently the nature of the decision-making process by which the final choice was made has been a matter for speculation but recently the Nobel Foundation has opened its archives for the first thirty years of the awards. This has thrown much interesting light on the factors-objective and subjective-influencing the Nobel committees.
An Analysis of Nobel Prize for World Science (1901-2007): Physics, Chemistry and Physiology/Medicine
The paper presents an analytical study of the Nobel Prize given for the last 107 years since its inception in 1901. A general trend in the subject areas of Physics, Chemistry and Medicine, in regard to the shift in individual benefit to collaborative benefit in Nobel Prize is attempted. In doing so an attempt has been made to show the sharing has emerged in awards. This is reflected in three time eras i.e. Pre World War period; Between World War I and World War II; and Post World War II period. In these periods a study of the beneficiary nations in the three field of science i.e. Physics, Chemistry and Medicine have been analyzed to have perspective opinion of the state of the art. The study reveals that European nations that were dominating the Noble Prize awards in the pre World War period have been sidelined. The trend is visible in all fields of science. The post War period saw the emergence of USA and its allied forces. This also could be as result of migration of intellectuals from Europe, Asia Africa and other continents to USA which needs further exploration.
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to the relative representation of female recipients. Nobel. Of all the scientific and scholarly prizes awarded in the past century, the Nobel Prize is perhaps the most prestigious and acclaimed. In his will, Alfred Nobel left the majority of his wealth to the establishment of five prizes. Regarding the prizes, the will specifically stated that "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind" (Nobel, 2014, The Establishment of the Nobel Prize, para.1). Furthermore, the will stated that, regarding the award of prizes, no consideration be given to the nationality of the candidates. The annual prizes were divided into five categories: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The first Nobel prizes were awarded in 1901 (Nobel, 2014). The will articulated that the prizes for chemistry and physics are awarded by the Swedish Academy of Sciences, the physiology or medicine prize be awarded by the Karolinska Institute, literature by the Academy in Stockholm, and the peace award be a committee of five people elected by the Norwegian Storting (Nobel, 2014). The selection process for all Nobel awards is driven by a committee. For an individual to be considered for an award, he/she must be nominated by a person who meets the nomination criteria and/or selected by a member of the governing Nobel committee (Nobel, 2014). All Nobel awards follow a similar process in selecting the Nobel Laureates. In September, nomination forms are distributed and must be submitted to each Nobel committee by February. Subsequently, each committee sends the names of preliminary candidates to experts for their assessment during the months of March through May. Next, from June through August, a report is compiled with recommendations, and submitted to the Academy and or Institute for each award field. During the month of September, the Nobel committee submits recommendations of the final candidates. Also, in October, the Nobel Laureates are chosen, and the names are announced. Finally, the Laureates receive their prize amount, medal, and diploma in December (Nobel, 2014). The significance of the Nobel award is multifaceted. First, award recipients are individuals who take chances to explore a new perspective, despite the initial odds of success. Next, they question established conclusions. For example, during 2001-2009, numerous important discoveries were made. P. Lauterbur and P. Mansfield developed magnetic resonance imaging (M.R.I.), a technology that has saved thousands of lives (Shalev, 2010). Laureates A. Hershko, A. Ciechanover, and I. Rose lead biochemistry teams that discovered how the human body kills broken protein in cells to defend itself against diseases. This advancement in understanding is being utilized in treating cancer and cystic fibrosis (Shalev, 2010). Finally, A. Fert and P. Grunberg were acknowledged for the discovery of magneto resistance by using the rules of quantum mechanics. These laureates' research allows large amounts of information to be stored on small disks, such as IPods and MP3s (Shalev, 2010).
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The Nobel Prize, established in 1895 by Alfred Nobel, stands as one of the most prestigious international honors, recognizing exceptional contributions across six categories: Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Sciences. This comprehensive overview explores the significance, recognition, and legacy of the Nobel Prize, highlighting its role in celebrating groundbreaking achievements that shape human progress. Nobel's vision emphasized the advancement of knowledge, peace, and societal betterment, with laureates such as Martin Luther King Jr., Marie Curie, and Bob Dylan exemplifying the transformative impact of these awards. The selection process, rigorous and confidential, ensures that only those who have made profound contributions are chosen. Beyond mere recognition, the Nobel Prize provides financial support and amplifies the laureates’ work on the global stage. Its evolving nature, reflecting modern challenges like climate change and social justice, demonstrates the Prize’s enduring relevance. The Nobel Prize continues to inspire future generations, driving innovation and fostering progress in a rapidly changing world.
Following Nobel Norwegians Detail 10-8-18 release 4 pages
Paper starts with the release “Following Nobel Norwegians” details signature pattern of reading the 24 most recent press releases each update, something that never happened before the Norwegian Nobel Committee began vetting my nomination in February 2016. They did this 48 times between the 2017 award and the 2018 award announcements. That’s approximately twenty times each reading the last 50 press releases, a million of my words. Only a group of staff vetting someone thoroughly enough to write a detailed report about that person’s nomination, for the purposes of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, would be so thorough. Three pages of detailed looks by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Google, Pentagon, and CIA are appendixed after the one page press release about my interactions with the secretive Norwegian Nobel Committee. (6 downloads).