Background on the Laureates
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their groundbreaking discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance, as announced by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute.
The Significance of Their Discoveries
Marie Wahlen-Herlenius, a professor of rheumatology at the Karolinska Institute, explained that this year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine focuses on understanding how our immune system remains controlled to combat various microorganisms while avoiding autoimmune diseases.
The laureates’ discoveries have paved the way for a new field of research and spurred advancements in treatments, particularly for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The Nobel Prize Tradition
Established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur, the Nobel Prizes have been granted since 1901 for outstanding contributions in science, literature, and peace. The awards are given by committees of experts from various institutions, with all ceremonies taking place in Stockholm except for the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo.
The Nobel Prize in Economics was added later and is funded by the Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank.
Previous Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine
Notable past recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine include Alexander Fleming, who shared the prize in 1945 for discovering penicillin. Recently, the prize has recognized significant advancements, including those that facilitated the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
The 2024 Medicine Prize was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its crucial role in the growth and life of multicellular organisms, shedding light on cell specialization.
The Nobel Prize Ceremony
Following tradition, the Nobel Prize ceremony begins with the Medicine award, followed by announcements for the remaining categories over the coming days.
More than a century after its inception, the Nobel Prizes remain steeped in tradition. The prize ceremonies are attended by members of the Swedish and Norwegian royal families, followed by lavish banquets on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the 2025 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine? Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi
- What are their discoveries about? Their groundbreaking work focuses on peripheral immune tolerance, which helps maintain a balanced immune system to fight off various microorganisms while avoiding autoimmune diseases.
- What impact do their discoveries have? Their findings have laid the foundation for a new field of research and have driven advancements in treatments, especially for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- How are Nobel Prize laureates selected? Laureates are chosen by committees of experts from various institutions, with all ceremonies taking place in Stockholm except for the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo.
- What are some notable past Nobel Prize recipients in Physiology or Medicine? Notable past laureates include Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, and Victor Ambros & Gary Ruvkun, who uncovered the significance of microRNA in multicellular organisms.
