Nobel Committee

Every October, the world turns its attention to Stockholm and Oslo, awaiting the announcement of the Nobel Prizes — the highest honors in science, literature, and peace.

Behind these life-changing moments stands an institution both revered and discreet: the Nobel Committee.

Tasked with evaluating the world’s most extraordinary contributions to humanity, the Nobel Committee serves as the moral and intellectual gatekeeper of the legacy left by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor and philanthropist who founded the prizes in 1895.

(source: BBC)

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Origins of the Nobel Committee

The Nobel Committees were established following the will of Alfred Nobel, who specified that his fortune be used to create prizes “for those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”

Each Nobel Prize category has its own committee of experts, drawn from Sweden or Norway depending on the field. Nobel’s will gave clear institutional oversight to ensure independence, fairness, and adherence to his vision.

Prize Category	Responsible Institution	Country
Physics	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences	Sweden
Chemistry	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences	Sweden
Physiology or Medicine	Karolinska Institutet	Sweden
Literature	Swedish Academy	Sweden
Peace	Norwegian Nobel Committee (appointed by Norwegian Parliament)	Norway
Economic Sciences	Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (established later in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank)	Sweden

(source: Reuters)

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Structure and Responsibilities

Each Nobel Committee consists of five voting members, often leading professors or senior researchers in their fields. They are appointed for three-year terms, renewable once.

Core Functions

1. Nomination Review: Examine nominations submitted by thousands of qualified nominators worldwide — including professors, previous laureates, and institutions.
2. Evaluation: Conduct peer reviews, confidential investigations, and consultations with external experts.
3. Recommendation: Submit a shortlist of candidates and a final recommendation to the awarding institution (e.g., the Karolinska Institute or the Swedish Academy).
4. Decision: Although the final decision rests with the full awarding body, the committee’s recommendation is almost always accepted.

(source: The New York Times)

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The Selection Process — How Nobel Laureates Are Chosen

1. Call for Nominations (September – January): Invitations are sent to thousands of experts worldwide. Self-nominations are not allowed.
2. Initial Review (February – May): Committees evaluate nominees’ contributions and impact, eliminating those not meeting Nobel criteria.
3. Expert Consultations (June – August): External referees review the top candidates under strict confidentiality.
4. Final Decision (September): Committees present final recommendations to their respective academies or organizations.
5. Announcements (October): Nobel laureates are announced to the world through official press conferences.

(source: BBC, Nobel Committee archives)

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee — The Face of the Peace Prize

While most prizes are Swedish, the Nobel Peace Prize is distinctively Norwegian.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), consists of five members who deliberate in Oslo’s Nobel Institute.

Its independence has been vital in maintaining credibility amid politically sensitive awards — from Martin Luther King Jr. to Maria Corina Machado in 2025. (source: AP)

“The Peace Prize belongs to no nation — it belongs to conscience,” said a former chair of the committee, highlighting the award’s moral purpose. (source: Reuters)

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Guiding Principles

The Nobel Committees operate under three enduring principles:

1. Confidentiality

All discussions, reports, and deliberations remain sealed for 50 years, preserving impartiality and protecting nominators.

2. Merit Above Politics

Although prizes sometimes spark controversy, the committees insist on rewarding impact, not ideology.

3. Global Scope

Committees ensure diversity in nominations, increasingly recognizing scientists, activists, and writers from developing nations. (source: BBC)

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Behind the Scenes — How They Balance Controversy and Vision

Over the years, the Nobel Committees have faced debates — from peace prizes that divided world opinion to scientific awards that overlooked pioneering women.

Yet their credibility endures because of a steadfast commitment to evidence, peer validation, and independence.

When questioned about political influence, one committee secretary famously replied:

“We do not measure popularity. We measure permanence.” (source: Reuters)

Recent reforms have also sought to improve transparency, broaden gender and regional representation, and include new perspectives in nomination reviews.

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Notable Nobel Committee Members (Past and Present)

Name	Role	Field
Göran Hansson	Secretary General, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences	Physics & Chemistry
Thomas Perlmann	Secretary, Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet	Medicine
Anders Olsson	Permanent Secretary, Swedish Academy	Literature
Berit Reiss-Andersen	Chair, Norwegian Nobel Committee	Peace
Hans Ellegren	Secretary General, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences	Economics

(source: AP, Nature)

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The Nobel Committee’s Global Legacy

The Nobel Committees have collectively awarded over 1,000 laureates since 1901 — individuals and organizations that changed how we see the universe, the human body, society, and art.

Their decisions have celebrated:

• Scientific revolutions — from quantum mechanics to CRISPR gene editing.
• Humanitarian achievements — from the Red Cross to global peace movements.
• Cultural excellence — writers, poets, and thinkers who shaped collective consciousness.

(source: The New York Times)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the Nobel Committee?

A group of experts responsible for evaluating and recommending Nobel Prize winners in each category.

Q2. How are members chosen?

They are appointed by their respective academies or institutions for three-year renewable terms.

Q3. Where are the Nobel Committees located?

In Sweden (for science, literature, and economics) and Norway (for peace).

Q4. Can the public nominate someone?

No. Only qualified nominators, such as professors, Nobel laureates, and select institutions, can submit nominations.

Q5. Are deliberations public?

No. All records are sealed for 50 years to protect confidentiality.

Q6. Why is the Peace Prize handled in Norway?

Alfred Nobel’s will explicitly assigned the Peace Prize to Norway, possibly due to its 19th-century reputation for neutrality.

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Conclusion

The Nobel Committee stands as one of the world’s most trusted arbiters of human achievement.

Its members quietly shape history every year, elevating discoveries, ideas, and movements that advance knowledge and humanity.

Through their discretion and rigor, they honor not just individuals — but the timeless belief that excellence and empathy can coexist.

Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC, Nature, The New York Times, Nobel Committee Archives, Karolinska Institutet, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.