Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for optogenetics discoveries
U.S.
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
Their work helped establish optogenetics, a method that allows scientists to control specific nerve cells using light.
The Nobel Assembly said the discoveries transformed neuroscience by giving researchers a powerful way to study how individual groups of neurons influence brain function and behavior.
The three laureates will share the 12 million Swedish kronor prize.
