The Nobel Assembly awarded the 2026 physiology or medicine prize to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a method that can switch individual nerve cells on or off.
The Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute on Monday awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to American Karl Deisseroth and Germans Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
Reuters reported that the trio was selected for work that lets researchers use light to control individual nerve cells. Thomas Perlmann, secretary-general of the Nobel Assembly, said the method makes it possible to switch the activity of individual nerve cells on or off in a living brain.
The assembly said optogenetics is now used in laboratories worldwide. Committee member Anna Wedell told Reuters a new era in neuroscience had opened, while cautioning that understanding how neurons interact was only beginning. BBC News reported the committee credited the work with revealing circuits behind specific memories, feelings and behaviours linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The prize sum is 12 million Swedish crowns, about $1.2 million, to be shared by the three laureates, Reuters and the Boston Globe reported. BBC also cited a sterling figure of about £900,000 for the same 12 million kronor award.
Physics, chemistry, literature and peace prizes are due later in the week, with the economics prize scheduled for 12 October, according to the Boston Globe's account of the Nobel calendar. The medicine announcement opens Nobel week rather than ending the research story: clinical groups are already testing related methods, including efforts to restore sight, BBC reported.
People Sentiments Positive
- Nobel officials described the award as opening a new era in neuroscience.
- Laureates told BBC the prize was absolutely wonderful and an honour to share with friends.