Is the Nobel Prize Truly Free from Bias?

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The discussion centers on the Nobel Prize's perceived partisanship and its management by the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, with the Peace Prize awarded by Norway. Concerns are raised about potential bias due to the committee's nationality, particularly regarding the historical neglect of figures like Nikola Tesla in favor of those with better connections, such as Guglielmo Marconi. The prestige of the Nobel Prize is attributed to its early recognition of significant scientific discoveries, but the conversation highlights controversies and perceived injustices, including the exclusion of notable scientists like Lise Meitner and Rosalind Franklin. Participants debate the evolving nature of scientific research, emphasizing that modern discoveries often result from collaborative efforts rather than individual achievements. The discussion suggests a need for reevaluation of how prizes are awarded, considering the complexities of contemporary scientific contributions and the potential for systemic bias in the selection process.
  • #31
WarPhalange said:
...Honestly, the people who discovered the CMB radiation? ...

That was a tough one for me. Never heart about radiation there deep down in the Earth at the CMB*

Perhaps something with abrev..


*Core Mantle Boundary
 
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  • #32
GCT said:
It is managed by the Swedish - originally the Germans - a Nobel is deemed as the ultimate honor in science and medicine.

Are there any of you that believe that the Nobel prize is partisan simply due to the fact that the people who hand out the prize are of a single nationality?
Biased in what way?

As said earlier, there will always be controversies and people feeling left out. Sometimes a big mistake is made, for instance the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine did not acknowledge the contribution of plant biologists. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v443/n7114/full/443906a.html

I think the prize helps recognize great discoveries, but maybe they should change their reward system.
 
  • #33
If their decisions were really wrong (and I don't mean occasional error, but systematic bias) just money will be IMHO not enough for the prize to be so highly regarded.
 

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