Nobel Prize Conversations

"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.

“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.

"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.

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.

"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 Hinton Artificial 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Oh my god… I have no words.” – Listen to the emotional moment this year’s laureate Maria Corina Machado finds out she has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, shared the news with her directly before it was announced to the world. The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado "for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy" © 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.

“I’m very proud to be in the line of some really great writers and poets.” In this interview, new literature laureate László Krasznahorkai shares his happiness about his Nobel Prize, which came as a surprise. Krasznahorkai speaks about how bitterness is an important driver for him, and also highlights the importance of using your fantasy. “Without fantasy, it’s an absolute different life. To read books gives us more power to survive these very difficult times on Earth.” © 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.

“This is the mind of the researcher in Japan,” says Susumu Kitagawa, “Don’t switch off the light, even at night.” In this short conversation recorded the day after the announcement of his Nobel Prize in Physics, Kitagawa talks to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith about his approach to tackling grand challenges, and how to keep a lookout for the unexpected. He also explains how his perspective on research has a lineage that extends back to other Japanese Nobel Prize laureates Kenichi Fukui, Akira Yoshino and even Hideki Yukawa, the very first Nobel Prize laureate from Japan. © 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.

“Some people thought it was a whole load of rubbish. But it didn’t turn out that way.” Richard Robson’s new concept for molecular architecture, which occurred to him while building models for teaching, was the starting point for the burgeoning field of metal–organic frameworks. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded just after his Nobel Prize in Chemistry was announced, he recounts how this new idea emerged and how, in the end, he just had to do something about it. He also offers some modest reflections on a long life in chemistry, which he says wasn’t exactly a vocation: “I sort of drifted into it, I couldn’t think of anything better to do.” © 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.

“I set out to build beautiful things and solve intellectual problems.” Omar Yaghi was just changing flights when he had heard the news that he had been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. For this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded as he was departing on the next leg of his journey, Yaghi speaks about his early life as a refugee in Jordan, the wonderful way his field has developed, and the overwhelming draw of the beauty of chemistry; “The deeper you dig, the more beautifully you find things are constructed.” © 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.

“My wife is very kind to me, so she didn’t wake me up for a couple of hours.” John Martinis was sleeping when news of his Nobel Prize in Physics broke, but his wife Jean was up reading late into the night and received the calls, letting him sleep on. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, he talks about the excitement of learning how to investigate problems with his co-laureates John Clarke and Michel Devoret, four decades ago, and how that experience taught him what to aim for when building labs in academic and industry subsequently. © 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.

“I was out walking the dogs and she started yelling, and I thought there was a grizzly bear nearby.” Actually, what Fred Ramsdell’s wife was telling him, while on a hiking trip together, was that he had been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded early the following day, Ramsdell recall how the realisation dawned on them. He goes on to speak about the benefits of working in the environment of biotech, the joy of finding talented collaborators, and the importance of celebrating the dedication of those that nurtured hundreds of generations of the all-important scurfy mouse, in which he and Mary Brunkow discovered the FOXP3 gene: “I'm really in awe of the fact that they were able to do that for so long. It's incredible.” © 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.

“I could not imagine accepting the prize without the two of them,” says John Clarke of his fellow Nobel Prize laureates in physics, John Martinis and Michel Devoret. In this short conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded just after the public announcement of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, Clarke recalls the electric atmosphere in the lab, 40 years ago, during their experiments in which they first demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunnelling. Clarke also reflects on others who inspired his thinking at the start of his career. © 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.

“My phone rang, and I saw a number from Sweden and thought, well that’s just spam of some sort, so I disabled the phone and went back to sleep.” Mary Brunkow clearly wasn’t expecting the call from Stockholm. This brief conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith catches the new medicine laureate at her dining table at 4:30am, an hour and a half after she had heard the news. She talks about the power of genetics to unravel biology and how she feels it was an honour to have been one of the contributors to solving the puzzle of immune tolerance: “It takes a bunch of different brains, all working on it together, for sure!” © 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.

"I believe this will encourage immunologists and physicians to apply the T regulatory cells to treat various immunological diseases.” Shimon Sakaguchi, 2025 Nobel Prize laureate in physiology or medicine, has always been driven by the desire to find new ways to combat disease. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded just after the prize announcement, Sakaguchi speaks briefly about his surprise at the news and reflects on the fundamental research question that kept him dedicated to the field after many others abandoned it, a question that took over two decades to answer. © 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.

In this special bonus episode of Nobel Prize Conversations, we shine a light on the many ways achievements in science are celebrated — from quiet late-night breakthroughs in the lab to the glittering applause of the Nobel Prize award ceremony. Host Karin Svensson speaks with Adam Smith, Chief Scientific Officer at Nobel Prize Outreach, about why recognition matters, how laureates share their joy with families, colleagues, and entire communities, and how the Nobel Prize captures the world’s attention to honour the spirit of discovery. Along the way, we hear stories of invention, laughter, music, and even unexpected traditions from Nobel Prize laureates Peter Agre, Jim Allison, Frances Arnold, John Jumper, Katalin Karikó, Benjamin List, David McMillan, John O'Keefe, Paul Romer, George Smith and Donna Strickland. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’ve never been part of the gang. I was a one-man band playing little tunes.” – Meet physics laureate John Hopfield in a podcast recorded at his cottage in Selborne, England. Together with host Adam Smith, he reflects on the value of interdisciplinary work and how chemists and physicists might collaborate more closely. They also discuss the future of AI and Hopfield’s greatest fears about it. Read about John Hopfield and the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. See the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 and the moment they 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.

"With the great power to invent technology comes a great responsibility." – In this lively and energetic podcast conversation, economic sciences laureate Simon Johnson talks about how the past, future and present are interconnected, as well as how science fiction and history are intertwined. He comes to the conclusion that “science fiction is history in reverse or history is science fiction in reverse, whichever way you want to think about it. He also tells us about his family history and how his family was part of the steel industry in Sheffield, England. The industrial revolution is discussed as well as the responsibility that comes with inventing technology. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“When we're doing genetics, we are tapping into that mythic power of change.” — In this conversation with molecular biologist Gary Ruvkun, we discover his scientific journey and find out that the world of genetics still has many fields left to explore. A natural storyteller, Ruvkun also shares some of his favourite tales with us – from his gap year in Latin America to how his grandparents emigrated to the United States. For Ruvkun, travelling has given him more stories than he could have ever imagined – and he tries to share them whenever he has the chance. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

”I really love the notion of contributing something to physics.” — Chemistry laureate John Jumper has always been passionate about science and understanding the world. With the AI tool AlphaFold, he and his co-laureate Demis Hassabis have provided a possibility to predict protein structures. In this podcast conversation, Jumper speaks about the excitement of seeing how AI can help us more in the future. Jumper also shares his scientific journey and how he ended up working with AlphaFold. He describes a special memory from the 2018 CASP conference where AlphaFold was presented for the first time. Another life-changing moment was the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in October 2024 – Jumper tells us how his life has changed since then. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The reason why I was doing science all these years is because I just love doing it.”– Medicine laureate Victor Ambros grew up on a farm with seven siblings. Throughout his career, he has seen collaboration as a crucial part of science. In this podcast conversation with Adam Smith, Ambros talks about his scientific journey and how much his father has influenced him. He also shares his experiences on imposter syndrome and gives some advice on how to deal with it. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Asking is hard. Once you realise there's an interesting question to develop answers to, it is even harder." – Growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, shaped Daron Acemoglu’s life and career in many ways. It sparked his interest in politics and social sciences and led to a research career investigating the differences in prosperity between nations. Today Acemoglu is exploring the future of AI and how we can use it in the best possible way. In a conversation with Adam Smith he discusses his thoughts on the topic as well as sharing his advice for young researchers, including how to decide which research question to go for. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If you imagine each researcher as a kind of a neuron in the communal brain, then people call me a connection machine.” – David Baker is a true believer in collaboration. He sees mentoring as one of the most essential parts of his job. Baker spends most of his time at his laboratory and his colleagues explain his role as a connection machine as he connects “people who are working on things that are related”. He believes that progress in science is made by working together and sharing ideas. Despite being in high demand since receiving his Nobel Prize, Baker has turned down all work trips to focus on being present in his laboratory and exploring new frontiers in science. The only work trip he has made since the prize announcement in October 2024 is the journey to Stockholm to receive his Nobel Prize. And for that, he brought 200 former students to Sweden celebrate the award with him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I just think a book can change your life." 2024 economic sciences laureate James Robinson loves books – he has about 10 000 at home. Growing up without a TV, he and his mother spent evenings discussing news from the newspaper and reading. It's no wonder his interest for social sciences, politics and economic sciences was sparked at a young age. As well as delving into his thoughts on literature and reading, Robinson shares his opinions on field work in this wide-ranging conversation. For Robinson field work provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of why problems exist and how they can be solved. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"When we remember, what we're doing is just making up a story that sounds plausible to us. That's what memories are." Join your host Adam Smith as he speaks to physicist Geoffrey Hinton, often called the godfather of AI. They discuss Hinton's childhood memories and how his family legacy of successful scientists put pressure on Hinton to follow in their footsteps. Throughout the conversation it is clear that Hinton has always had a fascination with understanding how the human brain works. Together with Smith, Hinton discusses the development of AI, how humans can best work with it, as well as his fears of how the technology will continue to develop. Will our world be taken over by AI? Find out in this podcast conversation with the 2024 physics laureate. Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize on the Nobel Prize Conversations podcast. Find it on Acast, or wherever you listen to pods. https://linktr.ee/NobelPrizeConversations © Nobel Prize Outreach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Get up, you need to get up! You’ve won the Nobel Prize.” That’s how James Robinson discovered he was a 2024 economic sciences laureate, as his wife, Maria Angélica Bautista, woke him up. In this brief call with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith he talks about the root causes of poverty and how to build the types of political structures that enhance prosperity: “Inclusive institutions are not created by well-meaning elites. They’re created by people who fight for their rights.” © 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.

“There’s nothing natural about 30-, 40-, 50- fold differences in income per capita in a globalised, connected world.” Daron Acemoglu, economic sciences laureate 2024, speaks about the root causes of persistent poverty among the poorest nations and how to build the types of inclusive institution that can support prosperity. In this conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded shortly after the prize announcement, Acemoglu also highlights the importance of democracy and his fears regarding AI, and how its misuse could result in a two-tier society. © 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.

“True, genuine, inclusive democracy matters, very clearly.” Simon Johnson, economic sciences laureate 2024, learnt of the award from the congratulatory text messages piling-up on his phone. In this short conversation with the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith, recorded just moments after he had heard the news, he highlights the importance of participatory decision-making in making the most of human potential. © 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.

“The dream came true!” The prize came as a big surprise, says Masako Wada, a representative from the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo, which works to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. In this interview shortly after learning about the Nobel Peace Prize 2024, she shares her deep concerns on the world’s backlash on nuclear disarmament, not least after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “Rather than anger, I feel sorrow and fear how deep humans will fall into darkness.” © 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.

”I’m so surprised and honoured.” 2024 literature laureate Han Kang had just finished dinner with her son at her home in Seoul when she received the news. In this interview with the Nobel Prize, she reflects on being the first South Korean literature laureate and talks about how writers as a collective have influenced her. “All their efforts and strengths have been my inspiration.” Han Kang also talks about her writing process on the international hit “The Vegetarian”, and recommends her most recent book “We Do Not Part” for anyone who’s curious to start reading her books. © 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.

“I got the phone call and my wife promptly started screaming.” News of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry gave David Baker’s household a very early wake up call. Here, just after the prize announcement, Baker speaks to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith about the exciting potential of building brand new proteins, the inspirational effect his fellow laureates have had on his field and whether it is necessary to understand how predictive algorithms work. © 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.

“It’s absolutely extraordinary.” John Jumper had just heard the news of his 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry when he spoke to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith. “I thought I had a 10 % chance,” he reveals. To save his nerves, his plan had been to sleep in until after the announcement, which didn’t quite work out. In the interview, he talks about being the youngest chemistry laureate in over 70 years, and about AI’s role in science. “What I love about all this is that we can draw a straight line from what we do to people being healthy.” © 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.

“The best scientists paired with these kinds of tools will be able to do incredible things.” Demis Hassabis, 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, reflects on building the right research environment and the interplay between AI and individual scientists. This short conversation with Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith was recorded just after he had received the call from Stockholm. © 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.

“You have to build up from the bottom.” In this interview shortly after the announcement, 2024 physics laureate John Hopfield talks about how he found out about the prize when he was going through his e-mails. ”It didn't sink it until I got to the fourth e-mail!” Hopfield reflects on how to tackle big questions, such as how the mind works, in this conversation. He and his wife Mary Waltham spoke to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith from his cottage in the village of Selborne in England, which was home to the 18th century naturalist Gilbert White. © 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.

“How could I be sure it wasn’t a spoof call?” 2024 physics laureate Geoffrey Hinton received the phone call from Stockholm at around 2am in a hotel room in California, and multiple Swedish accents helped reassure him that his Nobel Prize in Physics was real. Greatly surprised, he talks to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith about the state of machine learning, the pressing need for safety research, and his hopes that the award might make people take the fears he voices more seriously. © 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.