A closer look at Harvard’s Nobel Laureates

About Harvard’s Nobel Laureates

This annual award recognizes extraordinary contributions to physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature, and peace. Many Harvard university faculty members have received this distinguished prize. Harvard awards Nobel Prizes each year on December 10, including a significant monetary award. Individuals or organizations receive awards in appreciation of their remarkable achievements in their fields. The award serves as a symbol of excellence and a way to recognize the vital work of researchers, scientists, writers, and peace activists worldwide. Keep reading to learn more about Harvard’s Noble Laureates.

Harvard’s Noble Laureates in Physics

Name	Year	Achievement
Roy J. Glauber	2005	Contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence
Riccardo Giacconi	2002	Contributions to astrophysics that resulted in the finding of cosmic X-ray sources
Norman Ramsey	1989	Examine independent oscillatory fields to obtain exact measurements of how different portions of atoms and molecules interact with one another
Carlo Rubbia	1984	The discovery and study of new subatomic particles and their properties
Nicolaas Bloembergen	1981	Invented laser spectroscopy, allowing atoms to be analyzed more precisely
Steven Weinberg	1979	Developed mathematical ideas to explain electromagnetism and ‘weak’ interactions (with Sheldon L. Glashow)
Sheldon L. Glashow	1979	Developed mathematical ideas to explain electromagnetic and ‘weak’ interactions, two of nature’s four fundamental forces, using the same rules (with Steven Weinberg).
John H. Van Vleck	1977	Pioneered the application of quantum mechanics to magnetism research
Julian S. Schwinger	1965	Contributed to quantum electrodynamics research
Edward M. Purcell	1952	Discovered the nuclear resonance method for measuring magnetic fields in atomic nuclei
Percy W. Bridgman	1946	Extensive research on the changes that occur when various materials are subjected to extremely high pressure.

Harvard’s Noble Laureates in Chemistry

Name	Year	Achievement
Martin Karplus	2013	Multiscale model development for complex chemical systems
Elias J. Corey	1990	Developed guidelines that allow scientists to synthesize complicated new compounds from common ingredients
Dudley R. Herschbach	1986	Developed procedures that allow scientists to view collisions between pairs of molecules and detect the products of such collisions.
Walter Gilbert	1980	Developed methods for determining the structure of DNA
William N. Lipscomb	1976	Research on the structure of boranes increased the understanding of chemical bonding
Robert Burns Woodward	1965	Complex molecule synthesis in the laboratory
T.W. Richards	1914	A study of the atomic weights of chemical elements

Harvard’s Nobel Laureates in Medicine

Name	Year	Achievement
William Kaelin	2019	Their research into how cells detect and adjust to oxygen supply
Jack Szostak	2009	For groundbreaking work in the discovery of telomerase. This enzyme preserves chromosomes from deterioration
Linda B. Buck	2004	For the discovery of ‘odorant receptors and olfactory system organization.’
Joseph E. Murray	1990	Developed innovative organ transplant procedures (with E. Donnall Thomas, previously of the University of Washington)
Torsten Wiesel	1981	Study of information processing in the visual system (in collaboration with David Hubel)
David Hubel	1981	Torsten Wiesel’s research on information processing in the visual system
Baruj Benacerraf	1980	Discovered that disease resistance is inherited genetically, despite individual differences in immune response genes
George Wald	1967	Investigating the biochemistry of vision
Konrad E. Bloch	1964	Investigated the pattern of processes involved in the production of cholesterol and fatty acids
James D. Watson	1962	Described the structure of DNA
Georg von Bekesy	1961	Demonstrated the basic concepts involved in the hearing mechanism
Thomas H. Weller	1954	Application of tissue-culture technologies to the study of viral illnesses (with J.F. Enders and F.C. Robbins)
Frederick C. Robbins	1954	Application of tissue-culture technologies to the study of viral illnesses (with J.F. Enders and T.H. Weller)
John F. Enders	1954	Application of tissue-culture methods in the development of a polio virus, a component of the polio vaccine (in collaboration with F.C. Robbins and T.H. Weller)
Fritz A. Lipmann	1953	Identified ‘coenzyme A’ and uncovered fundamental principles in protein comprehension
William P. Murphy	1934	Research on the liver treatment of anemias (with George Minot)
George Minot	1934	Research on the liver treatment of anemias (with William P. Murphy)

Harvard’s Nobel Laureates in Literature

Name	Year	Achievement
Seamus Heaney	1995	For lyrical beauty and ethical depth in literary works that extol ordinary wonders and the living past

Harvard’s Laureates in Economic Science

Name	Year	Achievement
Michael Kremer	2019	For an innovative approach to reducing global poverty
Oliver Hart	2016	In recognition of contributions to contract theory
Alvin Roth	2012	For market design practice and the theory of stable allocations
Eric S. Maskin	2007	For the foundation of mechanism design theory
Thomas C. Schelling	2005	Using game theory to improve the understanding of conflict and cooperation
A. Michael Spence	2001	For analyzing markets with asymmetric information.
Amartya Sen	1998	Welfare economics research
Robert C. Merton	1997	For a novel way of calculating the value of derivatives
Wassily W. Leontief	1973	Created the input-output analysis utilized in economic forecasting and planning
Kenneth J. Arrow	1972	Contributed to the theory of universal economic equilibrium and wellbeing
Simon S. Kuznets	1971	Invented the notion of utilizing GNP to track changes in the nation’s economic growth

Key takeaways

• As a research university and nonprofit organization, Harvard commits to providing educational opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Harvard has a long tradition of research and education excellence, and its faculty and alumni have significantly contributed to subjects such as physics, chemistry, medicine, economics, and literature.
• The Nobel Prize, established in 1895 by Swedish chemist and dynamite creator Alfred Bernhard Nobel, is an annual award recognizing extraordinary contributions to physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. Many Harvard academic members have received this distinguished prize.
• Given the caliber of its teaching faculty, the cutting-edge research it performs, and its long legacy of innovation, it should be no surprise that Harvard University has produced many Nobel laureates throughout its history.

Harvard University contains 12 degree-granting schools and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. It also provides many non-degree options for professionals and lifetime learners, including executive education, continuing education, and online courses.  If you are interested in learning more about Harvard’s Noble Laureates or any other overseas University or have any questions, reach out to our team of experts.

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