1901 - The First Nobel Prizes are Introduced

The first of the posts containing information contributed by my friends (any information they contribute will appear in green and indented). Sometimes, I may also add information that I dug up before reading what my friends wrote. This one happens to be a social/cultural post from Caleigh Y. 

The Nobel Prizes, established by Alfred Nobel (see Alfred Nobel, Dictionary Terms label), were first awarded on December 10, 1901 in Stockholm, Sweden and Christiania (now Oslo), Norway. At first, there were only five prizes awarded in Physics, Medicine/Physiology, Literature, Chemistry and Peace. Later, a prize in Economics was added. The Nobel Prizes have honored many of the world’s leaders, and are considered the highest honor a person can receive. They are significant because they honor some of humanity’s highest achievements as well as highlighting society’s progress.

If you're interested in learning more about the Nobel Prizes, prize recipients, or the medals, visit the official Nobel Prize website.

Alfred Nobel

Another contribution from Caleigh (all guest bloggers' work is in the green font):

Name: Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 – 1896)
Event Associated With: The First Nobel Prizes are Introduced

Alfred Nobel was born on October 21, 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden. His most notable accomplishment is that he invented dynamite after conducting experiments with nitroglycerine. In his will, he gave his money to starting a foundation which would give prizes to individuals or group who demonstrated achievement sin Chemistry, Medicine/Physiology, Physics, Peace, and Literature. These prizes became known as the Nobel Prizes and are the highest awards a person can receive.

Recently, in an attempt to increase young people's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Life Technologies Foundation sponsored a Lunch with a Laureate program in the United States. This program was created as part of the lead-up to the first USA Science and Engineering Festival. High school students are able to host a Nobel laureate (winner of a Nobel Prize) on campus during a question and answer session.
Without Alfred Nobel, laureates such as Harold Varmus (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1989) or President Barack Obama (Nobel Peace Prize, 2009) wouldn't have been recognized for their work.