In a groundbreaking announcement that celebrates the tiniest regulators of life itself, scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their revolutionary discovery of microRNA and its crucial role in gene regulation.
2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine Goes to US Scientists
The duo will share the prestigious 11 million Swedish crown ($1.1 million) prize, awarded by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute Medical University, for uncovering these microscopic maestros that orchestrate the genetic symphony within our cells.
This year’s award kicks off the annual Nobel season, a week-long celebration of human achievement that has honoured brilliant minds since 1901. The medicine prize, often considered the crown jewel of scientific recognition, sets the stage for the remaining announcements in physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics.
Previous Nobel Prize winners
The prize continues a legacy of honouring transformative discoveries, following in the footsteps of legends like Ivan Pavlov, famous for his behavioural studies with dogs (1904), and Alexander Fleming, who shared the 1945 prize for discovering penicillin. Last year’s recipients, Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman were celebrated for their groundbreaking work that enabled COVID-19 vaccine development.
Born from the legacy of Swedish dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel, these awards have evolved into the world’s most prestigious recognition of intellectual achievement.
While most prizes are presented in Stockholm, the Peace Prize ceremony uniquely takes place in Oslo, a tradition stemming from the historical Nordic political landscape of Nobel’s time.
The climax of this scientific celebration will unfold on December 10 – the anniversary of Nobel’s death – when laureates will receive their medals in Stockholm’s grand ceremony, followed by the legendary Nobel banquet at the city hall. Meanwhile, Oslo will host its parallel celebration for the Peace Prize winner, maintaining a tradition that has honoured humanity’s greatest achievements for over a century.
