Nobel Week 2026 Begins: Physiology or Medicine Prize to Be Announced Today
October 5, 2026: The world's most closely watched awards season begins today. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in Solna, Sweden, will announce the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at 11:30 CEST at the earliest, which is 3:00 pm IST.
The 2026 Announcement Schedule
| Date | Prize | Time (CEST, earliest) | Time (IST, approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Oct 5 | Physiology or Medicine | 11:30 | 3:00 pm |
| Tue, Oct 6 | Physics | 11:45 | 3:15 pm |
| Wed, Oct 7 | Chemistry | 11:45 | 3:15 pm |
| Thu, Oct 8 | Literature | 13:00 | 4:30 pm |
| Fri, Oct 9 | Peace (Oslo) | 11:00 | 2:30 pm |
| Mon, Oct 12 | Economic Sciences | 11:45 | 3:15 pm |
Source: nobelprize.org. All announcements are streamed live on the Nobel Prize's official channels.
About the Medicine Prize
The Physiology or Medicine prize recognises discoveries that have transformed understanding of the human body and disease. Recent prizes have honoured work on mRNA vaccine technology (2023), microRNA and gene regulation (2024), and peripheral immune tolerance (2025). Nominations are confidential and sealed for 50 years, so any predictions before the announcement are speculation.
How Laureates Are Chosen
Thousands of invited nominators submit names by January 31. Nobel Committees review candidates with expert advisers over months before a final vote. The awarding institution's decision is final. Each prize can be shared by up to three people.
What Happens After the Announcements
Laureates will receive their medals and diplomas on December 10, 2026, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, in Stockholm, while the Peace Prize is presented in Oslo.
Why It Matters
Nobel recognition often brings public attention to research fields, influences funding priorities and inspires students. For readers in India, the week is also a reminder of Indian laureates, from C.V. Raman in Physics (1930) to Abhijit Banerjee in Economic Sciences (2019).
FAQ
Where can I watch the Nobel announcements live?
On nobelprize.org and the Nobel Prize's official social media and YouTube channels.
When is the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize announced?
On Friday, October 9, at 11:00 CEST (2:30 pm IST) in Oslo.