Nobel Prize Conversations
Nobel Prize Outreach
Through their lives and work, failures and successes – get to know the individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize. The host for this podcast is Adam Smith, who has the happy task of interviewing our Nobel Prize laureates.Sit in on our conversations as we delve into how these personalities found their fields of interest — often by coincidence — how they view collaboration, curiosity and failure, and what keeps them going. The laureates share what they have learned from their career and what they like to do outside of their work – from music to fly-fishing. We let the discussions flow freely, resulting in richly varied stories on topics ranging from poverty prevention to the science of black holes and the importance of being a role model.Don't miss the First Reactions from our 2025 Nobel Prize laureates coming up in October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 13, 2025 • 4min
First reactions | Peter Howitt, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview
Peter Howitt shares his surprise at winning the 2025 economic sciences prize during a phone call. He reflects on his partnership with Philippe Aghion, highlighting how their complementary skills flourished at MIT. The stimulating environment there played a crucial role in their collaborative work on creative destruction and economic growth. Looking ahead, Peter humorously notes his intent to focus more on economics and less on golf after this unexpected honor.
Oct 13, 2025 • 6min
First reactions | Philippe Aghion, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview
Philippe Aghion shares his surprise at winning the Nobel Prize in economic sciences during a chaotic phone call. He discusses the origins of his collaboration with Peter Howitt and their impactful 'creative destruction' model of economic growth. The conversation dives into the significance of innovation and entrepreneurial activity while stressing the need for inclusive growth. Aghion advocates for policies that enhance flexibility in the labor market and reduce barriers to entry, aiming for a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
Oct 13, 2025 • 3min
First reactions | Joel Mokyr, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview
Joel Mokyr shares his shock upon receiving the Nobel Prize news, revealing he never expected to be a contender. His surprise includes missed calls from Sweden and congratulatory emails that left him puzzled. He expresses humility about an economic historian winning and humorously anticipates a boost in book sales from collaborating with co-winner Philippe Aghion. Mokyr playfully asks to defer discussing his research, needing a moment to collect his thoughts before delving into his work.
Oct 10, 2025 • 9min
First reactions | Michel Devoret, Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 | Telephone interview
Michel Devoret, a leading French-American physicist and 2025 Nobel Prize laureate, shares his excitement post-award, recalling the moment he learned of his win and the collaborative spirit of his early lab days with John Clarke. He discusses the stimulating environment of the US West Coast, which fosters scientific adventure, and his passion for tackling fundamental questions in quantum computing. Devoret emphasizes that true discoveries shine only when applied, revealing his vision for mentoring future scientists and engaging the public.
Oct 10, 2025 • 5min
First reactions | Maria Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize 2025 | Telephone interview
Maria Corina Machado shares her heartfelt reactions to receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, expressing gratitude and humility. She emphasizes that this honor represents a larger movement of Venezuelans fighting for freedom and justice. Machado hopes the recognition will shine a light on Venezuela's struggles and accelerate the push for peace. As she discusses the strength and unity of her people amidst adversity, she dedicates the accolade to those risking everything for a better future.
Oct 10, 2025 • 4min
Finding out the news | Maria Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize 2025
Experience the heartfelt moment when Maria Corina Machado receives news of her Nobel Peace Prize award. Her overwhelming emotions highlight a deep sense of humility and appreciation for the Venezuelan people's struggle for democratic rights. The conversation reflects on the significance of this recognition and the hope it brings for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. As she absorbs the news, Machado emphasizes her commitment to the movement and expresses gratitude to the Nobel committee.
Oct 9, 2025 • 8min
First reactions | László Krasznahorkai, Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 | Telephone interview
“I’m very proud to be in the line of some really great writers and poets.” In this interview, new literature laureate László Krasznahorkai shares his happiness about his Nobel Prize, which came as a surprise. Krasznahorkai speaks about how bitterness is an important driver for him, and also highlights the importance of using your fantasy. “Without fantasy, it’s an absolute different life. To read books gives us more power to survive these very difficult times on Earth.” © Nobel Prize Outreach. First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 9, 2025 • 6min
First reactions | Susumu Kitagawa, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 | Telephone interview
“This is the mind of the researcher in Japan,” says Susumu Kitagawa, “Don’t switch off the light, even at night.” In this short conversation recorded the day after the announcement of his Nobel Prize in Physics, Kitagawa talks to the Nobel Prize’s Adam Smith about his approach to tackling grand challenges, and how to keep a lookout for the unexpected. He also explains how his perspective on research has a lineage that extends back to other Japanese Nobel Prize laureates Kenichi Fukui, Akira Yoshino and even Hideki Yukawa, the very first Nobel Prize laureate from Japan.© Nobel Prize Outreach.First reactions terms of use: https://www.nobelprize.org/ceremonies/streams-terms-of-use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 8, 2025 • 9min
First reactions | Richard Robson, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 | Telephone interview
Richard Robson, the 2025 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, shares his whimsical journey from a meandering path to groundbreaking research on metal–organic frameworks. He reflects on how a simple teaching model sparked a revolutionary idea that faced skepticism. Despite doubts, his obsessive dedication led him from conceptualization to hands-on experimentation. Robson humbly discusses the significance of collaboration in his solitary journey and offers insights on celebrating this monumental achievement later in life.
Oct 8, 2025 • 9min
First reactions | Omar Yaghi, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 | Telephone interview
Omar Yaghi, the 2025 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, is a trailblazer in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). In a candid conversation, he shares his astonishment upon receiving the prize and reflects on his humble beginnings as a refugee. Yaghi passionately describes the beauty of chemistry, unveiling how controlling matter at the molecular level has vast applications like water purification and CO2 capture. He encourages students to explore their curiosity and the aesthetic appeal of science, reminding us all to dig deeper into the wonders of our world.
