In April 1888, a mistakenly published obituary left Alfred Nobel to reflect deeply on his legacy and the impact of his scientific inventions. That moment would eventually inspire the creation of the world’s most coveted award – the Nobel Prizes.

As the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace Prizes for this year this week, here’s a look at the remarkable story of how these iconic awards came to be.

Alfred Nobel’s life

Born in 1833 in the small town of Nobbelov, Stockholm, Alfred Nobel belonged to a well-educated, poor peasant family. Nobel’s grandfather was an army surgeon, and his father, Immanuel, went to technical school.

Nobel spent many years shuttling between Sweden and St Petersburg, Russia, where his father had established an

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