All six Nobel Prize categories have announced their 2026 laureates, recognising achievements in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economic sciences. Among the winners is South African jurist and former ICTR judge Navi Pillay, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law, highlighting decades of work in human rights and international justice. The annual Nobel announcements began on October 5 with the Prize in Physiology or Medicine and concluded on October 12 with the Prize in Economic Sciences, awarded to American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford for their contributions to economic models that help governments and central banks manage economic fluctuations and crises. Here is a look at the all announced laureates and their contributions. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, Medicine The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. Their work helped establish optogenetics, a technique that allows researchers to control the activity of nerve cells using light. The approach has transformed neuroscience by enabling scientists to investigate how specific neurons contribute to brain functions and behaviour. Deisseroth is based at Stanford University in the United States, while Hegemann and Nagel have worked at German universities. ALSO READ: South African lawyer Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Francis Halzen, Physics Belgian American physicist Francis Halzen received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos originating from astrophysical sources. Located at the South Pole, IceCube uses thousands of sensors embedded deep in Antarctic ice to detect neutrinos, elusive particles that can travel across enormous distances through matter. The research has advanced neutrino astronomy, helping scientists investigate energetic cosmic phenomena and better understand the universe. Halzen is a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai, Chemistry Chemists Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were jointly awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discoveries involving non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their work helped explain how chemical reactions can favour one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule and how small differences between those forms can be amplified. The findings are significant for understanding chemical reactions and developing molecules used in areas such as pharmaceutical research. Anne Carson, Literature Canadian writer Anne Carson received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her inventive body of work, which draws on classical traditions to create new forms of contemporary literature. A poet, essayist, translator and classicist, Carson is known for blending literary genres and bringing ancient Greek and Roman influences into modern writing. Her works include Autobiography of Red and Nox. Her recognition places experimental writing and the continuing influence of classical literature at the centre of this year's awards. Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, Peace South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. Born in Durban in 1941, Pillay built a career defending human rights and advancing accountability for serious international crimes. She served as a judge and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, later becoming a judge at the International Criminal Court. From 2008 to 2014, she served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her work has contributed to international efforts to address genocide, crimes against humanity and other grave violations. Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford, Economic Sciences American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford were awarded the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for their contributions to the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation. Their work examines how the decisions of households and businesses influence the wider economy, helping economists understand how governments and central banks can respond to economic fluctuations and shocks. Hall is affiliated with Stanford University, while Woodford is a professor at Columbia University. The Nobel award is worth 12 million Swedish kronor (approx. $1.21 million). The Norwegian Nobel Committee will conclude the 2026 announcements with the award ceremony schedule for December 10.
