Beyond the Nobel: 8 Major Prizes for Scientists to Compete For
The Nobel Foundation offers prizes in only three scientific disciplines, but there are other awards to honor scientists in different fields.
Every October, scientists eagerly await the announcement of the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and medicine. Many have argued for an expansion of the Nobel categories, especially given the increasing focus on interdisciplinary science since the prizes were established in 1900. But it has yet to happen. In the meantime, other awards have popped up to honor outstanding fields. Here are nine of the most notable.
The Abel Prize for Mathematics – Established in 2001 and named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel, the Abel Prize awards about $700,000 to an outstanding mathematician each year.
The Millennium Technology Prize – Every three years, the Technology Academy Finland announces the winner of this prestigious prize. It comes with a $1 million award.
The Turing Award for Computer Science – The highest honor in computing, it has been awarded annually since 1966 for contributions to computing. It has been sponsored by Google since 2014.
The Draper Prize for Engineering – The Draper Award, a $500,000 cash prize named after Charles Stark Draper, honors engineers whose work has significantly improved quality of life. The National Academy of Engineering gives it every other year.
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement – Often called the "Nobel Prize for the environment," this prize rewards scientists whose work has helped to "preserve or enhance" the natural world, with a $250,000 cash prize. It is awarded every year.
The Vetlesen Prize for Geology – The Vetlesen Prize was created in 1959 to honor outstanding achievements in Earth sciences, awarded only every few years. Winners are awarded $250,000.
The Wolf Prize for Sciences and Arts – The Wolf Prize, awarded since 1978, honors achievements in fields such as mathematics, agriculture, and the arts. The cash prize is about $100,000.
The Ig Nobel Prize for Unusual Achievements – Though the Ig Nobel Prize is more light hearted, it is awarded to scientists whose work makes people laugh, then think. Recipients are given a ten-dollar bill and a paper trophy.
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