The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their work in optogenetics. The award was announced on Monday.
The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine said the prize recognises research into how nerve cells in the living brain build memory, emotions and behaviour. The announcement highlights the role of optogenetics in this research.
2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The award recognises the three scientists’ work in the field of optogenetics:
- Karl Deisseroth, an American neuroscientist
- Peter Hegemann, a German scientist
- Georg Nagel, a German scientist
Research on the living brain
The committee said the research focuses on how nerve cells in the living brain build memory, emotions and behaviour.
