The Nobel Prize announcements for 2023 have been underway, and the laureates so far have showcased exceptional genius and groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. Interestingly, six out of the nine laureates announced so far are immigrants, highlighting the global nature of scientific discovery.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Prof. Pierre Agostini, Prof. Ferenc Krausz, and Prof. Anne L’Huillier for their experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Prof. Moungi G. Bawendi, Prof. Alexei I. Ekimov, and Prof. Louis E. Brus for their discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse for his innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2023 was awarded to jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her relentless efforts in advocating for women’s rights in Iran and her unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and freedom for all.
Among these distinguished laureates, Prof. Moungi G. Bawendi stands out with his Tunisian origins and significant contributions to the field of Chemistry.
Prof. Bawendi currently serves as the Lester Wolfe Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on the chemical production of high-quality quantum dots. Quantum dots are semiconducting particles a few nanometres in size, having optical and electronic properties that differ from those of larger particles as a result of quantum mechanical effects. They are a central topic in nanotechnology and materials science.
Prof. Bawendi’s journey from his birthplace in Paris to his current position at MIT is a testament to his dedication and passion for scientific discovery. His work on quantum dots has opened up new possibilities in various fields, including electronics, medicine, and renewable energy.
The Nobel Prize’s channel on YouTube uploaded Prof. Bawendi’s first reaction to becoming a Nobel laureate.
As we celebrate the achievements of all the laureates, we also acknowledge the diverse backgrounds they come from. Their stories remind us that science knows no borders and that great minds can emerge from any corner of the world.
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023 will be announced on October 9.
Commentaires