Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel are the 2026 recipients of the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discoveries related to light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. On October 5, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the winners, for research that has revolutionised the study of the brain.
Who Won the Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026?
Three scientists behind optogenetics
Peter Hegemann (Germany) and Georg Nagel (Germany), both scientists, are also awarded the 2026 medicine prize, along with American scientist Karl Deisseroth. Their research enabled them to regulate the activity of individual nerve cells with the help of light.
Hegemann and Nagel found a light-sensitive protein in a single-cell alga called channelrhodopsin. Later, Deisseroth applied the discovery as a way to control nerve cells by light, and thus laid the foundations for optogenetics, the modern method of controlling nerve cells with light.
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Why Is Optogenetics Important?
With optogenetics, researchers can now turn on or off certain neurons in the living brain. This has aided scientists in their research of neural circuits related to memories, feelings and behaviour, and has proven to be an important tool in neuroscience labs around the world.
The technology also has medical applications which are currently being examined, such as sight restoration in the visually impaired.
The three laureates will split the 12 million Swedish kronor—Reuters reports.
FAQs
Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine?
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel won the prize.
What did they discover?
They were recognised for light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
What is optogenetics?
It is a technique that uses light to control the activity of specific nerve cells.
