Ig Nobel Prize
Founded in 1991, the Ig Nobel Prizes recognize real scientific achievements that amuse and provoke thought. The ceremony is held each mid-September at Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre. Awards span ten categories including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Literature, Peace, Nutrition, Engineering, Mathematics, and Economics. Laureates receive a frying-pan-shaped medal, a certificate, and a Cambridge parking pass valid for one hour after Christmas. The prizes are organized by the Annals of Improbable Research, a science humor magazine.
658
Laureates
1991
First awarded
Mid-September each year
Announcement
Annals of Improbable Research
Presented by
Awards by year
Outstanding achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think
History
The Ig Nobel Prizes were established in 1991 by editor Marc Abrahams of the Annals of Improbable Research. The inaugural ceremony took place at Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre. From the outset, awards have been given for real research with a humorous twist. Ceremonies feature traditions such as launching paper airplanes and limiting speeches to 30 seconds. Over the years, the prizes have gained international attention, and Nobel laureates sometimes serve as presenters. Nominations are accepted from anywhere in the world and evaluated by a selection committee.
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