Nobel Prizes and Life Sciences

The Nobel Prizes in natural sciences have developed to become a unique measure of scientific excellence. Using archival documents, which have been released (50 years secrecy) for scholarly work, the author expertly traces the strengths and weaknesses of the Nobel system as exemplified by individual prizes. Surveys of the more than 100 years that the Prizes have been awarded are also presented.

This book discusses the most important prize in the world of science and gives unique historical insights into how the laureate selection process has developed to secure optimal choice.

No other book has been published which draws from previously classified archival materials to the extent that this book does. It indirectly deals with factors that foster scientific discoveries viz. the role of both individuals and institutions and thus provides invaluable insights for researchers, institutions and anyone interested in science.

Alfred Nobel at the age of about 30 years. [Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.]	Alfred Nobel's mother, Andrietta. [Oil painting by Anders Zorn. Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.]
The Nobel year. The process of selection of Nobel Prize recipients is initiated as early as May–September the preceding year by listing the persons to be invited to nominate candidates. During the year when the prizes are awarded there are three particularly critical dates (weeks); January 31 – the last day of nomination; the first full week in October — announcement of the prize recipients in different fields on different days; and December 10 (Alfred Nobel's death day) — prize award ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo.
Nobel's house in Paris on Avenue Malakoff. It was used both as his home and laboratory (1873–1881). [Courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.]
Crick receiving his Nobel Prize from the hands of His Majesty King Gustaf VI Adolf. Watson and Wilkins wait in the background for their prizes. [© Scanpix Sweden AB.]

Contents:

• More than a Century of Nobel Prizes
• Serendipity and Nobel Prizes
• Nobel Prizes and the Emerging Virus Concept
• The Only Nobel Prize for a Virus Vaccine: Yellow Fever and Max Theiler
• Polio and Nobel Prizes
• Unusual Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine
• Nobel Prizes and Nucleic Acids: A Drama in Five Acts
• Nobel Prizes, Prions and Personalities

Readership: General.