The Nobel Prizes recognize outstanding contributions to humanity in six categories.
Categories
Nobel Prizes are awarded annually in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences.
The first five categories stem directly from Alfred Nobel's 1895 will, while the economics prize was added in 1968 by Sweden's central bank.
Prizes consist of a medal, diploma, and monetary award, typically around 11 million SEK.
History
First awarded in 1901, the prizes honor work conferring "the greatest benefit to humankind."
Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, funded them from his fortune to promote positive impact.
Announcements occur each October, with ceremonies in December.
