Three Researchers Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize for Pioneering Optogenetics Work

The Nobel Committee revealed that Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been selected as the 2026 recipients of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Their breakthrough research identified light-gated ion channels, enabling the technique known as optogenetics to manipulate cellular activity with precision. The prize, the first of the year's Nobel awards, joins upcoming honors in physics, chemistry, literature and peace.

Last year's medicine prize recognized work on peripheral immune tolerance by Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimun Sakaguchi. The ceremony will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 10, and each laureate will receive a cash award of 12 million Swedish kronor, roughly €1 million or $1.2 million.