Three researchers and a team of economists were honored with Nobel Prizes in 2026, acknowledging their groundbreaking contributions in the fields of physiology or medicine, physics, and economic sciences. Notably, all four laureates received support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), which has now facilitated 278 Nobel prizes over the years.
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work pioneering optogenetics. This innovative technique employs light-sensitive proteins to manipulate nerve-cell activity, offering insights into brain function. NSF has backed Deisseroth’s research on optogenetic tools since 2007, including support for developing methods to observe cellular activity in the brain.
Francis Halzen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his significant contributions to the NSF-funded IceCube Neutrino Observatory. This groundbreaking facility, located at the South Pole, detects elusive neutrino particles—often referred to as “ghost particles.” NSF’s investment in IceCube began in the 1990s, with its construction completed in 2011. The observatory has since made substantial advancements in understanding the origins of these particles, including detections from supermassive black holes.
The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences went to Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford for their development of economic models that elucidate how household and business decisions affect macroeconomic conditions. Their research has proven crucial for informing government and central bank policies aimed at stabilizing inflation and employment, addressing economic fluctuations more effectively. NSF supported their research efforts over many years, contributing to foundational economic theories still relevant today.
The achievements recognized by this year’s Nobel Prizes underscore the value of sustained investments in research and scientific infrastructure. With continued support from the NSF, researchers are expected to delve deeper into these fields and further unlock the complexities of the natural world and economic systems.
