Your Questions about the Nobel Prize in Physics

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Question: Is broken symmetry related to super symmetry? How are they alike and/or different?

Answer: No, they are not related in any other way than that supersymmetry, if it exists, also has to be a broken symmetry. We know, for instance, that there is no spin-0 electron ("selectron") of mass 511 keV.

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Question: When is the Nobel Prize committee going to give the physics prize to a woman?

Answer: The Prize is not given because of gender or nationality. Nominations of women received are treated like all other nominations.

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Question: I am guessing that there is always a 'short list' of people who are considered for the award each year. Can you release information on how many times a certain candidate has been put on the list but never selected?
Ramani

Answer: No, this type of information is not given out. Only after 50 years the data files are opened for historians of science.

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Question: I was under the impression that Nobel's will stated that the Nobel Prize for Physics was to be awarded for practical, not theoretical developments. This was the rationale, I suspect, why Einstein did not get a Nobel Prize for either or both of Special Theory and General Theory of Relativity but for the relatively minor work on the Photoelectric Effect. Why is it that lately, including the 2008 Nobel, theoretical developments have been awarded the Nobel? I am not saying that theory does not deserve to be recognized. I am only seeking clarification as to what exactly was the provision in the will and how it has been interpreted over the years. Thank you.

Answer: In the will, only "the most important discovery or invention within the field of physics" is mentioned. It is not elaborated whether a discovery should be experimental or theoretical. If you look through the list of Nobel Prizes, you will find many theorists who have been awarded.

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Question: Why did the committe award the scientists that "elaborated" the idea and left out the one that originally "created it" ?

Answer: The Committee does not, as a general rule, comment on why somebody was not given the Prize in a given year.

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Interview with Professor Per Carlson after the announcement of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physics

Articles about the Nobel Prize in Physics

Find out more about nomination and selection of the Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics