Nobel Prize Conversations

Jaksot

• 
  First reactions | Michael Woodford, prize in economic sciences 2026 | Telephone interview 12.10.2026 6min

  “They're probably hoping I'll cancel the exam.” – Michael Woodford was scheduled to be setting his economics students an exam on the morning of October 12th, when he was woken by a call from Stockholm at 4:30am. Just after listening to the announcement of the 2026 prize in economic sciences, Woodford spoke to the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith about his feelings for the prize. He praised his co-laureate Robert E. Hall and explained why he admires the Swedish economist Knut Wicksell.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Navi Pillay, Nobel Peace Prize 2026 | Telephone interview 09.10.2026 6min

  In this call with the Nobel Prize soon after the announcement, Pillay says she feels overwhelmed about being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. “A total surprise, I’m deeply honoured and touched.” – Navi Pillay received the news about her 2026 peace prize at an international conference in the Nuremberg Palace of Justice – more specifically in the famous Courtroom 600 where the WWII war criminals trials took place. Pillay was greeted with a standing ovation that she says she will never forget. In this call with the Nobel Prize soon after the announcement, Pillay says she feels overwhelmed about being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. “I know it’s a personal award, but for me, it’s for all the institutions I served on as well, all the people I worked for.”© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Anne Carson, Nobel Prize in Literature 2026 | telephone interview 08.10.2026 5min

  “Start in the middle, I always say” – Anne Carson was sweeping the kitchen floor at her home in Reykjavík, Iceland, when the phone rang and she learned that she had been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. “It seems a little insane,” Carson says in this conversation with the Nobel Prize just moments after the announcement. She also reveals that she has already started planning how to give away the prize money, shares advice for aspiring writers, and offers a tip for anyone curious about her work: “Find the middle and start there.” © Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Kenso Soai, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 | telephone interview 07.10.2026 2min

  "I'm very excited to hear the news. Good news. Very good news." – In this brief conversation, recorded shortly after the announcement of his Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Kenso Soai speaks of how happy he is to have his group's work recognised. He tells the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith how the search for the foundations of homochirality is a problem first posed by Louis Pasteur, and how much pleasure he takes in sharing these ongoing explorations with scientific friends around the world.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Francis Halzen, Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 | telephone interview 06.10.2026 8min

  "In retrospect, the most amazing thing is that we got funded for this project." – Francis Halzen recalls greeting each milestone in the creation of the massive IceCube neutrino detector under the South Pole not with pride, but with surprise. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith, recorded just after Halzen had learnt of his 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics, he speaks about the fruitful collaboration with the technical teams that built the detector. He also speculates on how neutrino astronomy promises to open up new, quite unexpected insights into super high energy processes occurring far away in space, and far back in time.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Peter Hegemann, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 | telephone interview 05.10.2026 4min

  "Call me back, I have something important for you." – Belatedly recognising the Swedish prefix to the number he was asked to dial, Peter Hegemann called back to discover that he had been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Here, in this conversation with the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith, he speaks about the pleasure of sharing the award with friends, the value of true curiosity about what nature has to offer, and the unexpected places such inquisitiveness can take you.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Georg Nagel, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 | telephone interview 05.10.2026 4min

  “I didn't expect this, really... I thought it's still too early to get this prize in medicine optogenetics.” – Georg Nagel's surprise upon learning that he was to be awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was evident. He received the news in Italy on a sun-drenched terrace, overlooking olive trees. In this brief conversation with the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith, he shares his joy on receiving the prize and reflects on the key research moment leading to the development of optogenetics.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Karl Deisseroth, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 | telephone interview 05.10.2026 6min

  "So much mystery now finally seems on the brink of elucidation." – Karl Deisseroth was working on a paper, late into the night, and had just gone to bed when the call came from Stockholm breaking the news that he had been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In this interview with the Nobel Prize's Adam Smith, recorded while the rest of the household slept, he reflects on the possibilities for unravelling the mysteries of the brain that optogenetics is opening up. He also discusses how his own work with patients with psychiatric disorders informs his appreciation of their basis in the broad sweep of evolution, and his hope that this greater insight will help people understand each other better.© Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'Translating the infinite sentence' Examining the work of László Krasznahorkai with translator Daniel Gustafsson 26.08.2026 46min

  In this episode we discuss the work of 2025 literature laureate Lázsló Krasznahorkai with literary translator Daniel Gustaffson. Having translated many of Krasznahorkai's novels from Hungarian to Swedish, Gustafsson is an expert on his depictions of apocalyptic terror and long, winding sentences. Selections from Krasznahorkai's Nobel Prize lecture, interview and banquet speech are examined by Gustafsson and host Adam Smith to gain some understanding of this mysterious writer, his creative process and influences. For a quick introduction to 2025’s awarded work in literature, check out our Crash Course on László Krasznahorkai or Anders Olsson’s eloquent speech from the Nobel Prize award ceremony.Read a complete profile of László Krasznahorkai, explore the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature and read his Nobel Prize lecture at our website, nobelprize.org.See the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 and the moment László Krasznahorkai was awarded his medal.This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'Living through the AI revolution' Discussing our changing world with Nobel Prize laureates 19.08.2026 38min

  "There's very few cases of more intelligent things being controlled by less intelligent things. Once they're a lot smarter than us, I don't think they'll put up with that." – Geoffrey HintonArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and changing the world around us. In this special bonus episode we speak with Nobel Prize laureates to examine AI's growing influence on our society. From various disciplines and perspectives, they share their thoughts about AI's impact on the job market, medical research opportunities, existential threats and the need for government regulation. Discover more from the laureates featured in this episode and explore the discoveries and ideas behind their awarded work. At nobelprize.org, you’ll find a wealth of content dedicated to each of our guests – Omar M. Yaghi, Mary E. Brunkow, Peter Howitt, Philippe Aghion, Joel Mokyr, Geoffrey Hinton and John Jumper – featuring interviews and descriptions of their prize-awarded work. You can also explore the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the 2025 prize in economic sciences, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics and the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'The art of collaboration' with 2025 physics laureates: John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis 12.08.2026 58min

  Forty years ago, a series of experiments demonstrated that the bizarre properties of the quantum world can be made concrete in a system big enough to be held in your hand. John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis – all at different points in their careers – collaborated to make this groundbreaking discovery. Join us as host Adam Smith speaks with the 2025 physics laureates about the importance of following your curiosity, the future of practical quantum computers and the special combination of personalities and skills that led to their successful collaboration.Nobel Prize Conversations with the 2025 physics laureates John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis. For a quick introduction to 2025’s awarded discovery in physics, check out our Crash Course on quantum tunnelling or Göran Johansson’s eloquent speech from the Nobel Prize award ceremony.Read complete profiles of John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis, and explore the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics at our website, nobelprize.org.See the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 and the moments John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis were awarded their medals.This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'What have we learned so far?' Mid-season reflections with Adam and Karin 05.08.2026 7min

  At the halfway point of the season, Karin Svensson and Adam Smith reflect on what they have learned from conversations with Nobel Prize laureates and why there is no single mould for a successful scientist. They discuss the challenge of explaining complex ideas, the importance of embracing uncertainty and the sense of wonder that drives discovery. They also provide a sneak peek of the conversations to come: quantum physics, artificial intelligence, and literature. This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'The technological drivers of progress' with economic sciences laureates: Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt 29.07.2026 1t 2min

  We are living during a period of economic growth, but that hasn't always been the case. Throughout history, even during eras of technological advancements – economic growth was not a given. The 2025 laureates in economic sciences – Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt – help us to understand how scientific innovations and creative destruction impact society. Join us for this timely conversation where we discuss technological changes and the potential threats they cause.For a quick intro to 2025’s awarded work in economic sciences, check out our Crash Course on how to sustain economic growth or John Hassler’s eloquent speech from the Nobel Prize award ceremony.Read complete profiles of Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt, and explore the 2025 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel at our website.See the announcement of the 2025 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel and the moment Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt were awarded their medals, all available on YouTube. This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'Decoding the immune system' with 2025 medicine laureates: Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi 22.07.2026 1t 1min

  Patience, persistence and a strong will for never giving up. Discovering how the immune system is kept in check demanded a lot of our 2025 medicine laureates. Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi spent years finding out how our body's powerful immune system is regulated – leading to the development of medical treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Join us for our conversation where we unravel the achievements behind the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. For a quick introduction to 2025’s awarded discovery in physiology or medicine, check out our Crash Course on regulatory T-cells or Olle Kämpe’s eloquent speech from the Nobel Prize award ceremony.Read complete profiles of Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi, and explore the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at our website, nobelprize.org.See the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025 and the moment Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi were awarded their medals, all available on YouTube.This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  'Where do ideas come from?' with 2025 chemistry laureates: Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi 15.07.2026 58min

  Have you heard of MOFs? A new field of chemistry opened up with the discovery of Metal organic frameworks and the scientists behind it were awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Richard Robson, Omar Yaghi and Susumu Kitagawa all let their minds wander to unplanned places and changed chemistry forever. One of the most interesting and life-saving applications of MOFs is water harvesting, although its potential uses are endless. Join us as we explore the world of MOFs through the eyes of the 2025 chemistry laureates.  For a quick introduction to 2025’s awarded discovery in chemistry, check out our Crash Course on MOFs or Olof Ramström’s eloquent speech from the Nobel Prize award ceremony.Read complete profiles of Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi, and explore the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at our website, nobelprize.org.See the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 and the moment Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi were awarded their medals, all available on YouTube.This podcast was a production of Nobel Prize Outreach and Filt, and created in cooperation with Fundación Ramón Areces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Peter Howitt, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview 13.10.2025 3min

  “I’m not one of these people who keeps the phone on, and the champagne in the fridge.” Peter Howitt certainly didn’t seem to be expecting the news of his 2025 prize in economic sciences. In this call recorded just after the announcement, he talks to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith about his longstanding friendship with fellow-laureate Philippe Aghion and how they started their collaboration in the conducive environment of MIT. “My future,” he concludes, “is going to involve more economics, and less golf, than I had anticipated!” © Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Philippe Aghion, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview 13.10.2025 5min

  “Peter, Peter, make yourself available, your phone, they’re trying to reach you!” Listen to Philippe Aghion telling Peter Howitt that the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has been attempting to call him, captured as part of this call made shortly after the public announcement of their joint 2025 economic sciences prize. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith he also reveals his joy and surprise at the news, discusses the implications of their ‘creative destruction’ model of sustained economic growth, and suggests paths to ensuring that the fruits of growth can be more widely shared. © Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Joel Mokyr, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview 13.10.2025 3min

  “I had a whole list of people that I thought were going to win,” says Joel Mokyr, “And I wasn’t on it.” Waking early, he opened up his computer to find out who had been awarded the 2025 prize in economic sciences, and found emails saying ’Congratulations.’ Then, as Mokyr tells the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith in this brief call, he saw missed calls from Sweden on his phone and, “The suspicion started to ripen!” © Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Michel Devoret, Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 | Telephone interview 10.10.2025 9min

  “I would say a fundamental discovery really becomes true when you can apply it to something concrete.” In this conversation, recorded after two hectic days following the prize announcement, new physics laureate Michel Devoret reflects on the excitement of seeing the fruits of research. He also talks about his co-laureate John Clarke, one of his role models, together with Lord Kelvin. Devoret describes how he woke on announcement day to find that the world already knew the news: “I had completely forgotten that October was the Nobel Prize month!” © Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions | Maria Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize 2025 | Telephone interview 10.10.2025 4min

  “I am just part of a huge movement. I’m humbled, I’m grateful and I’m honoured.” – The announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize came as a huge surprise to Maria Corina Machado. In this interview, recorded directly after the news was broken, she describes how honoured she feels, and highlights the strength of her fellow Venezuelans. “I accept this is as a recognition to our people, to the millions of Venezuelans that are anonymous and are risking everything they have for freedom, justice and peace and I’m absolutely convinced that we will achieve it.”Maria Corina Machado was interviewed by Robyn E. Hardy, Assistant Research Manager at the Norwegian Nobel Institute. © Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.