Source: IndianExpress

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Context

• The winners of the 2024 Kavli Prize (not to be confused with the Kavli Medal) were announced. Eight winners were awarded for their contributions to astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience.

Details

• The Kavli Prize is a prestigious award recognizing significant contributions in the fields of astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience.
• Named after Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli, the prize mirrors the Nobel Prize in its intent to honor groundbreaking scientific achievements.

KAVLI MEDAL The Royal Society Kavli Medal is awarded biennially, in odd years, for outstanding achievement in science and engineering in the fields of environment or energy. It is aimed at career stage scientists who have undertaken no more than 15 years of research work since gaining their PhD. The recipient should be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or of the Irish Republic or who have lived and worked there for a minimum of three years immediately prior to their nomination. The winner of the award receives a medal of bronze gilt and a personal gift of £500. The winner is invited to deliver a public lecture on their research at the Society. The recipient is chosen by the Council of the Royal Society on the recommendation of the Joint Physical and Biological Sciences Awards Committee. Nominations are valid for five years after which the candidate cannot be re-nominated until a year after the nomination has expired.

Fred Kavli: The Visionary Behind the Prize

• Background: Fred Kavli (1927-2013) was born in Eresfjord, Norway.
• Career: Moved to California in 1956 and worked for a high-tech sensor company, eventually becoming its chief engineer.
• Entrepreneurship: Founded Kavlico in 1958, a leading manufacturer of pressure sensors used across various industries.
• Philanthropy: Sold Kavlico in 2000 for $340 million and established the Kavli Foundation to support basic research in astrophysics, neuroscience, nanoscience, and theoretical physics.

Comparison with the Nobel Prize

• Similarities: Both prizes honor significant scientific achievements and include a cash prize, a scroll, and a medal.
• Differences:
  • Timing: The Nobel Prize is awarded for achievements made "during the preceding year," whereas the Kavli Prize has no such restriction.
  • Scope: The Kavli Prize is focused specifically on astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience.
  • Ceremony: The Kavli Prize ceremony is more flamboyant, featuring a red carpet and attended by the Norwegian Royal Family.

Prize Details

• Inception: First awarded in 2008.
• Frequency: Awarded biennially.
• Components: Includes a $1 million cash prize (per field), a scroll, and a medal (7 cm in diameter).
• Partnership: Awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in partnership with the Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

Selection Process

• Committees: Three independent selection committees review nominations.
  • Composition: Each committee has five members nominated by leading scientific institutions worldwide.
  • Institutions: Includes the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the French Academy of Sciences, Germany’s Max Planck Society, the National Academy of Sciences in the US, and the Royal Society in the UK.
• Recommendation: Committees present unanimous recommendations to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

2024 Kavli Prize Winners

Astrophysics:

• David Charbonneau (Harvard University)and Sara Seager (MIT):
  • Achievements: Discoveries and characterization of exoplanets and their atmospheres.
  • Contributions: Pioneered methods for detecting atomic species in planetary atmospheres and measuring thermal infrared emissions, crucial for identifying molecular fingerprints in planetary atmospheres.

Nanoscience:

• Robert Langer (MIT):
  • Breakthrough: Nano-engineering materials for controlled release of therapeutic bio-molecules.
  • Applications: Development of drug delivery systems for diseases like brain cancer, prostate cancer, and schizophrenia.
• Armand Paul Alivisatos (University of Chicago):
  • Innovation: Semiconductor crystals ("quantum dots") used as multi-color fluorescent probes in bio-imaging.
  • Impact: Integral in diagnostic imaging and fundamental medical research.
• Chad Mirkin (Northwestern University):
  • Concept: Introduced spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), nucleic acids functionalized around a nanoparticle core.
  • Uses: Applications in intracellular detection, gene regulation, and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

The Kavli Prize continues to celebrate and support groundbreaking scientific research in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. Its unique approach, unrestricted by time constraints and featuring a grand award ceremony, solidifies its distinguished status in the global scientific community.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Which statements best highlight distinguishing features of the Kavli Prize compared to the Nobel Prize? The Kavli Prize ceremony includes a red carpet event attended by the Norwegian Royal Family. The Kavli Prize is awarded for achievements made within the preceding year. The Kavli Prize focuses on astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. Options:  a) Only 1 and 2 b) Only 2 and 3 c) Only 1 and 3 d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: c)