The Kavli Prize 2026

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters Announces the 2026 recipients of The Kavli Prize

Today, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters announced the 2026 recipients of The Kavli Prize in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience. The Kavli Prize is a partnership among The Kavli Foundation, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

The discoveries honored in astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience are challenging assumptions, encouraging scientists to explore new ideas and furthering our understanding of how the world works. From revealing how our brains can be so extremely efficient in learning, to uncovering the hidden collisions under the seemingly harmonious spiral of the Milky Way, to our ability to change the properties of materials just by giving them a twist. Each of the discoveries honored today helps to answer vital questions and reveal further areas for investigation.

THE KAVLI PRIZE IN ASTROPHYSICS IS AWARDED TO:

  • Vasily Belokurov, Amina Helmi and Rodrigo Ibat
    for uncovering the fossil evidence of past mergers proving that the Milky Way galaxy was built through hierarchical accretion.

THE KAVLI PRIZE IN NANOSCIENCE IS AWARDED TO:

  • Eva Y. Andrei, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero and Allan H. MacDonald
    for foundational work that established the field of Twistronics.

THE KAVLI PRIZE IN NEUROSCIENCE IS AWARDED TO:

  • Christine Holt, Kelsey Martin, Erin Schuman and Oswald Steward
    for the discovery of local protein translation in neurons and establishing its importance for brain development and plasticity

This year, 10 scientists with 9 different nationalities and hailing from three continents are honored for their research that has broadened our understanding of the big, the small and the complex. The laureates in each field will share $1 million USD. They will be awarded The Kavli Prize in Oslo in September.

“Honoring these excellent scientists is not only a recognition of achievements, it is an investment in our shared future, affirming the curiosity, rigor, and courage that drive human progress.” says Annelin Eriksen, President of The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.