Three scientists awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discoveries on light-controlled nerve cells

Three scientists have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that paved the way for scientists to control nerve cells using light.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were announced as the laureates by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The trio were recognised for pioneering discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a technique that allows researchers to control the activity of individual nerve cells in living brains using light.

According to the Nobel Assembly, Hegemann and Nagel discovered channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein found in single-celled algae. Deisseroth later built on the discovery and transformed it into a light-controlled switch for nerve cells.

The breakthrough has enabled scientists to study how neural circuits influence memories, emotions and behaviour.

Optogenetics has since become an important tool in neuroscience research, allowing scientists to investigate the workings of the brain with greater precision.

More details are expected to emerge about the laureates and their discoveries