Instituted by Alfred Nobel and awarded annually since 1901 by the Swedish Academy, the intent of Nobel prizes is to recognise “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind” and reward outstanding efforts in the fields that Nobel was most involved in during his lifetime: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. Nobel Prizes and Laureates are announced in October each year and awards are presented in December.