The Nobel Prizes, first awarded in 1901, are among the world's most prestigious accolades, established by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel to recognize those who have conferred the "greatest benefit to humankind." Initially encompassing physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace, a sixth prize for Economic Sciences was added in 1968 by Sweden's central bank.
Nobel (1833-1896), famous for dynamite and his 355 inventions, amassed a considerable fortune and was reportedly moved to create the prizes after a premature obituary mistakenly called him "The Merchant of Death," inspiring him to ensure a positive legacy. Annually, laureates receive a gold-plated medal, a diploma, and a significant monetary award, such as US$1,035,000 as of 2023, with over a thousand individuals and organizations honored between 1901 and 2024.