Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegeman, and Georg Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegeman, and Georg Nagel jointly won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

The prize carries an award amount of 12 million Swedish kronor, which will be shared equally among the three laureates.

Optogenetics allows researchers to map brain functions and neural circuits governing specific memories, feelings, and behaviors using light-controlled switches.