Five U. S. Scientists Share a Million‑Dollar Prize in Science
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has selected ten researchers for the 2026 Kavli Prizes, honoring groundbreaking work in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience. Five of the laureates are Americans, underscoring the United States’ influence on cutting‑edge research. Each winner will receive one million dollars, and the ceremony is set for September in Oslo.
Background
The Kavli Prize, launched in 2008 by the Kavli Foundation, the Norwegian Academy, and Norway’s Ministry of Education, is funded by a legacy from entrepreneur Fred Kavli, founder of a major sensor company in Los Angeles. Awarded biennially across three disciplines, the selection panels comprise respected scientific societies worldwide.
Astrophysics
- Vasili Belakurov (Cambridge)
- Amina Helmi (Groningen)
- Rodrigo Ibata (Strasbourg)
These scholars reshaped our understanding of the Milky Way, revealing that it grew through galactic cannibalism—massive collisions with other galaxies. This dynamic view turns galaxies into living histories that constantly merge and rebuild.
Nanoscience
- Eva Andrei (Rutgers)
- Pablo Jarillo‑Herrero (MIT)
- Allan MacDonald (Texas)
The trio pioneered twistronics, a technique that layers sheets of graphene and twists them at precise angles. This twist can endow the material with surprising properties, such as superconductivity, without altering its basic composition.
Neuroscience
- Christine Holt (Cambridge)
- Kelsey Martin (Simons Foundation)
- Erin Schuman (Max Planck Institute, Germany)
- Oswald Steward (California)
Their collaborative research uncovered how neurons can produce proteins directly at synapses, enabling rapid communication in the brain. This insight may lead to new treatments for mental and neurological disorders.
Looking Ahead
The Kavli Prizes not only recognize past achievements but also signal confidence in future scientific progress. By spotlighting interdisciplinary work, the Kavli Foundation encourages collaboration and inspires a new generation of researchers.
