Time for the prize that turns lab rats into stars

Now the world's top researchers will be awarded. Lab coats and dry reports are exchanged for celebrity status, millions and luxury – at least for a while. It was an incredible experience. For two years, I was in a kind of euphoric state, says the award winner Benjamin List.

» Updated:

» Published:

Time for the prize that turns lab rats into stars
Photo: Martin Meissner/AP/TT

Share this article

During an intense week, the leading figures in science are in the spotlight. This year's Nobel Prize winners are announced, and journalists are gathering to understand concepts such as quantum particles, gene scissors, and gravitational waves.

The winners are awarded 11 million kronor, a medal, and a place among royalty at the Nobel banquet's honorary table.

German chemist Benjamin List says that many researchers will be sitting on the edge of their seats, watching their phones this week. He himself was sitting with his wife at a café in Amsterdam three years ago, ready to buy breakfast.

The phone rang, and my wife teased me, saying: Haha, now the call is coming.

Then I picked up the phone and saw that it was an unknown number from Stockholm.

Became a Celebrity

He describes the moment as surreal, as if he disappeared. Then it became intense with live interviews, phone calls from the Chancellor and the President, and he got to guest on talk shows with celebrities. A drastic change for someone "who is a bit of a nerd".

But it was fun, and everyone was very positive and upbeat, he says.

Some Nobel Prize winners have stagnated in their research after the prize. List was 53 and was fully engaged in exciting research when he was awarded the prize.

We published fantastic articles on nature and research, and things went great. So maybe the prize slowed me down a bit since I became so busy traveling around and being a Nobel laureate.

British Paul Nurse was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001. He describes the prize in a brief email interview with TT as stressful, "it was like getting an extra job".

"It hasn't made it easier to get research grants or better PhD applications, and it has definitely reduced the time to research", he writes.

Anton Zeilinger, physics prize winner in 2022, also initially had difficulty finding time to research, but now leads a group of eight people.

I can't take on more, but I get requests every week from excellent students who want to work with me.

Chasing the Revolutionary

Benjamin List realized after a period of luxury that it is research he is passionate about, and returned to his asymmetric organocatalysts at the Max Planck Institute.

So does he hope for another Nobel Prize? He responds with a laugh.

I must admit that I choose my projects because they potentially can have that caliber. Why not? Why would I do something that maximally can lead to handshakes or at most a "well done Ben". Of course, we're chasing the revolutionary things, he says.

Physiology/Medicine: Monday, October 7, earliest at 11:30 am

Physics: Tuesday, October 8, earliest at 11:45 am

Chemistry: Wednesday, October 9, earliest at 11:45 am

Literature: Thursday, October 10, earliest at 1:00 pm

Peace Prize: Friday, October 11, at 11:00 am

The Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel: Monday, October 14, earliest at 11:45 am

Source: nobelprize.org

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Man in His 20s Charged with Severe Rape in Skelleftehamn

Man in His 20s Charged with Severe Rape in Skelleftehamn

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs Affects Multiple Regions

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs Affects Multiple Regions

Swedish Worker in 20s Dies in Norwegian Oil Refinery Accident

Swedish Worker in 20s Dies in Norwegian Oil Refinery Accident

Motorcycle Crash in Tanum Leaves Driver Critically Injured

Motorcycle Crash in Tanum Leaves Driver Critically Injured

Thunberg's Convoy Representatives Meet with Hamas in Algeria

Thunberg's Convoy Representatives Meet with Hamas in Algeria

Greta Thunberg Steps Down from Gaza Flotilla Steering Group

Greta Thunberg Steps Down from Gaza Flotilla Steering Group

Motorcyclist in Malmö Accident Arrested After Knife Threat

Motorcyclist in Malmö Accident Arrested After Knife Threat

Shooting at Norsborg Apartment Door Sparks Police Investigation

Shooting at Norsborg Apartment Door Sparks Police Investigation

Head-On Collision Near Falkenberg Sends Three to Hospital

Head-On Collision Near Falkenberg Sends Three to Hospital

Säpo Budget Increases to Counter Russian Security Threat

Säpo Budget Increases to Counter Russian Security Threat

Police Admit Legal Breach in Case of Missing 14-Year-Old Mohamed

Police Admit Legal Breach in Case of Missing 14-Year-Old Mohamed

Parliament Approves Secret Coercive Measures for Children Under 15

Parliament Approves Secret Coercive Measures for Children Under 15

Cyberattack Hits Defense-Linked Companies in Sweden

Cyberattack Hits Defense-Linked Companies in Sweden

Postnord Sorting Machine Breakdown Delays 70,000 Packages

Postnord Sorting Machine Breakdown Delays 70,000 Packages

Student Injured in Suspected Attempted Murder at Bengtsfors School

Student Injured in Suspected Attempted Murder at Bengtsfors School

Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder in Borås Stabbing

Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder in Borås Stabbing

Second Arrest Made in Kallhäll Double Murder Investigation

Second Arrest Made in Kallhäll Double Murder Investigation

Centre Party Leader Rejects Role as Fifth Tidö Party

Centre Party Leader Rejects Role as Fifth Tidö Party

Main Line Reopens October 6 After Västernorrland Train Derailment

Main Line Reopens October 6 After Västernorrland Train Derailment

Man in 30s Dies in Örnsköldsvik Traffic Accident

Man in 30s Dies in Örnsköldsvik Traffic Accident