Three scientists, Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel, were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries in light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, announced the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. Optogenetics enables the manipulation of nerve cell activity in the brain using light, unveiling mysteries of the brain in labs worldwide.
The laureates, Deisseroth from the U.S., Hegemann, and Nagel from Germany, expressed their surprise and joy at sharing the prestigious award. They will split the prize of 12 million Swedish crowns. Deisseroth works at Stanford University, Hegemann at Humboldt University in Berlin, and Nagel at the University of Würzburg in Germany.
The application of optogenetics extends beyond basic research, with ongoing clinical trials aiming to restore vision to individuals with retinitis pigmentosa by introducing light-sensitive proteins into the retina. Additionally, researchers anticipate enhancing cochlear implants for better auditory nerve stimulation through optogenetics.
The advancement of optogenetics began in the early 1990s, with Hegemann’s investigation into light reactions in the alga Chlamydomonas leading to the discovery of channelrhodopsin-2. This light-sensitive protein was later successfully integrated into human and hamster cells, demonstrating its potential for generating electrical impulses using light. Deisseroth further validated the technique in rat nerve cells, leading to the formalization of optogenetics as a method in 2006.
The Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, literature, and peace will be awarded throughout the week, with the economics prize announcement scheduled for October 12. The Nobel Prize, established by Alfred Nobel, aims to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity’s benefit. Nobel, a renowned chemist and entrepreneur, passed away in 1896, and the first Nobel Prizes were awarded five years later. Laureates receive their awards on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.
