Unexpected Moments: How Nobel Prize Winners Learned of Their Achievements

BERLIN (AP) – The announcement of this year’s Nobel Prize winners came in unexpected ways—from early morning knocks on the door to missed phone calls. For some winners, the moment was a surprise; others were in remote places without service, reflecting their unique stories about how they received such prestigious honors.

Consider Mary E. Brunkow, sleeping in her Seattle home when an Associated Press photographer knocked to give her the surprise of her life. Her dog alerted her husband, Ross Colquhoun, who was equally stunned when informed that his wife was among this year’s Nobel winners in medicine. In disbelief, she initially laughed off the news, but the accolade was true, marking a significant moment in her career for her discoveries concerning the immune system.

In another instance, physicist John Martinis was similarly roused—albeit reluctantly—by AP photographers who had come to inform him of his Nobel Prize in physics. Initially thinking he could get a few more hours of sleep was the right idea, he soon found himself waking to the startling yet thrilling news that would lead to a trip to Sweden for the award ceremony.

Meanwhile, Fred Ramsdell, unaware of the excitement unfolding around the world, was on a camping trip in Yellowstone National Park, blissfully disconnected. His wife, who had received notifications of his win on her phone, broke the news with disbelief, highlighting the journey of these accomplished individuals from ordinary moments to sudden fame.

The Nobel Prizes acknowledge outstanding contributions across various fields, and this year’s recipients join a distinguished legacy. Each story of discovery, perseverance, and recognition illustrates the diverse paths that lead to the pinnacle of achievement. With the upcoming announcements of the literature prize, more memorable moments await.