In 1896, Alfred Nobel established his will to fund annual prizes for outstanding contributions, leading to the first awards in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace in 1901. The prizes were paused during the World Wars from 1914-1945, with no Chemistry award in 1918 and a full halt from 1940-1945, before the Economics category was introduced in 1969 by Sveriges Riksbank.
Key Milestones
1896: Nobel's Will Established Alfred Nobel signs his will, funding annual prizes for outstanding contributions. 1901: First Nobel Prizes Awarded Initial prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, Literature, and Peace are presented. 1914-1945: Prizes Paused During Wars Awards suspended during World Wars, including no Chemistry in 1918 and halt from 1940-1945. 1969: Economics Prize Introduced Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences added to the Nobel categories.