You can win a Nobel Prize in six main categories, established by Alfred Nobel's will with an additional one added later. These recognize groundbreaking contributions that benefit humanity.
Core Categories
Nobel Prizes originally cover Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Physics honors advances in matter and energy, like Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect. Chemistry celebrates discoveries such as protein structure prediction, as in recent awards.
Physiology or Medicine rewards breakthroughs in life sciences, including microRNA discoveries. Literature acknowledges exceptional writing, often exploring human experiences. Peace goes to efforts promoting global harmony, awarded to individuals or organizations.
Additional Prize
The Prize in Economic Sciences, established in 1968, recognizes outstanding economics contributions, though not part of Nobel's original will. It joins the ceremony and shares the prestige.
