The Science Prizes That Make You Laugh, Then Think - Royal Examiner

A struggle, worth knowing about, has been initiated to produce better social science. A recent article at Real Clear Investigations tell us “Why so many social science claims are false.” The theme is not unfamiliar: neither the falsehood nor the reasons are news. However, Stetson University psychology professor Christopher J. Ferguson also identifies three efforts at reform. One promising sign is the growth of the “open science movement,” which encourages the preregistration of studies. This reduces the ability of researchers to mangle their data analysis to produce preferred results. And the movement’s promotion of greater data transparency allows for more confirmation of findings.

Four NSF-supported researchers are among the 2026 Nobel Prize laureates, recognized for breakthroughs that transformed neuroscience, created a new way to explore the universe, and improved understanding of economic stability The bottom lineKarl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel, physiology or medicine — Pioneered optogenetics, a technique that uses light-sensitive proteins to control nerve-cell activity and investigate brain function. NSF supported Deisseroth's research advancing optogenetic tools. Francis Halzen, physics — For major contributions to the NSF IceCube Neutrino Observatory and its discoveries of elusive neutrino particles. NSF invested in the design, construction, and ongoing operations of NSF IceCube, which has enabled greater understanding of astrophysical neutrinos and their origins. Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford, Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences — Developed economic models explaining how the decisions of households and businesses influence economic fluctuations, helping improve policies to stabilize inflation, employment, and economic activity. NSF supported both laureates' research on economic fluctuations and stabilization policy.

The 2026 Nobel Prizes will be announced from October 5 to 12, marking the 125th anniversary of the awards, with the prize amount for each category raised to SEK 12 million (approximately $1.2 million). Nine ethnic Chinese scientists appear on hotly tipped shortlists across the three science categories. In physics, Xue Qikun and Jun Ye each secured major bellwether honors within the past month—the Clarivate Citation Laureates and the Wolf Prize in Physics, respectively. In physiology or medicine, Dennis Lo, Zhijian Chen, and David Huang all hold Lasker Awards or Citation Laureate recognition. In chemistry, David R. Liu's base editing and prime editing technologies, along with Ching W. Tang's invention of OLED, are considered strong contenders. Japanese researchers are also in the mix: Masashi Yanagisawa of the University of Tsukuba and Chihaya Adachi of Kyushu University hold a Lasker Award and a Citation Laureate, respectively. Artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in these scientists' research, emerging as a new variable in Nobel-caliber discoveries.

The AAS High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) Executive Committee has extended to 15 October 2026 its deadline for nominations for the following HEAD Awards: We strongly encourage you to nominate your deserving colleagues. Self-nominations are allowed for all prizes except the Rossi and Dissertation Prizes. We especially encourage PhD advisors to submit nominations for the Dissertation Prize.