Ragnar Sohlman was only 26 years old when he was given the daunting task of arranging for parts of Alfred Nobel's assets to be turned into a fund for prize money. It took a few years, but since 1901, the Nobel Foundation has, in accordance with Nobel's wishes, awarded the coveted prizes to those who have done the greatest service to humanity.
The impact the Nobel Prizes have on the world and the symbolism they hold is enormous, says Hanna Stjärne, CEO of the Nobel Foundation.
Like rock stars
She took office in January this year, after ten years as CEO of SVT. Now it's time for the crescendo – the award ceremony and banquet and an intensive week when the award winners will go out to give lectures and make a series of study visits.
They're a bit like rock stars when they come, it's really fun. Nobel Prize level is used as a global quality concept.
As CEO, she sees it as her task to shine a light on the importance of knowledge. How important science has been historically but also what it means for the future – not least in times where science is being questioned even by world leaders.
When we see what difficult questions science has solved throughout history, it gives us hope for the future about problems that can be solved then. I am a little taken by it every day.
No Nobel soda
It is not only around Nobel Day that interest is high. Every week, the foundation receives requests for various collaborations and events. Far from everyone gets a yes. When asked if the Nobel logo will appear on socks or a soft drink, the answer is no.
We are strict and it is to protect the good name of the Nobel Prize, says Hanna Stjärne.
But there will be some news at this year's celebration. The Nobel service will receive its first new addition in several decades in the form of a handmade butter knife made of oak wood.
It's something very Swedish, I think almost everyone has a handmade butter knife at home, often made in the craft industry.
Also new this year is that around a hundred high school students from different schools have been invited to the awards ceremony.
I have been involved when students around the world meet Nobel laureates, most recently in India, and it is clear what influence they have on young people.
Hanna Stjärne has been CEO of the Nobel Foundation since January 2025.
Before that, she was CEO of SVT since January 2015.
She is a trained journalist and has been, among other things, head of P1 at Sveriges Radio and director of programming with responsibility for all of Sveriges Radio's channels, digital services and programs.
She has also been CEO and editor-in-chief of Upsala Nya Tidning.
Hanna Stjärne has also been a political reporter and studio reporter at the Ekoredaktionen and a correspondent in Brussels and Norway.
