The Currency of Greatness: How the Nobel Prize Defines Global Achievement
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has stood as one of the world’s most prestigious honours, a global symbol of excellence in science, literature, and peace.
It has recognised phenomenal achievements to the improvement of society such as discovering penicillin, advancing human rights and decoding the universe itself. The awards span six fields: Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Sciences.
The 2025 Prizes have been awarded and this year they speak loudly about innovation, justice, and science pushing human limits. The Peace Prize – which many speculated may go to President Trump for his Middle East Peace Deal – was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. While in hiding, she has resisted authoritarian rule and championed democratic change in the face of enormous state repression.
Why not hear from some of the past winners who have been recognised for their contributions to society.
Nobel Prize–winning Physicist (2024) and Cognitive Psychologist named among Time’s 100 Most Influential in AI (2023)
Nobel Prize–winning Physicist (2020) and British mathematician renowned for his groundbreaking work on black holes and relativity
Nobel Prize–winning Chemist (2020) and pioneer of CRISPR genome editing, recognized among Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2015)
Nobel Prize–winning Chemical Engineer (2018) and pioneering innovator, co-chair of President Biden’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2021–2025)
Nobel Prize winner in Physiology (2021) and Kavli Prize laureate in Neuroscience (2020), Professor of Neuroscience at Scripps Research
Received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the European Union (2012), President of the European Commission (2004–2014), and Prime Minister of Portugal (2002–2004)
Nobel Peace Prize–winning social entrepreneur (2006) and leading expert on development economics and global finance
Co-founder of Médecins Sans Frontières and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1999), renowned French humanitarian and former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (2007–2010)
Nobel Peace Prize winner (2011), Founder of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, and Co-founder of the Women Peace and Security Network Africa
Nobel Prize winner in Economics (2001), former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the World Bank (1997–2000), and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2011)
Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences (2010), Regius Professor of Economics and School Professor of Economics & Political Science at LSE, and Professor of European Studies at the University of Cyprus