US scientist Karl Deisseroth and German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on optogenetics and its role in advancing understanding of how cells function.
Karolinska Institute neuroscience professor Abdel El Manira (R) speaks in front of a screen displaying portraits of (L-R) US scientist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel during the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 5, 2026. Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND / AFP
The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their pioneering work in the field of optogenetics.
Optogenetics involves controlling nerve signals with light, and helps researchers understand how specific cell types contribute to behaviours like learning, fear, addiction and movement.
The trio was honoured on Monday “for their discovery of a molecular switch for nerve cells,” the Nobel Assembly said.
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