Science of Star Creation, Neuroscience of Hearing and Tool to Edit DNA Win Kavli Prizes

Seven scientists from five countries share USD $1 million prizes in fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience

May 31, 2018 (OSLO) — The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters today announced the winners of the 2018 Kavli Prizes. Given in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience, this year’s prizes honor scientists who studied molecules in space and illuminated the life cycle of stars and planets, developed a tool to precisely edit DNA, and unlocked the neuroscience underlying human hearing.

This year’s winners are:

• Kavli Prize in Astrophysics: Ewine van Dishoeck (the Netherlands) 
• Kavli Prize in Nanoscience: Emmanuelle Charpentier (France), Jennifer A. Doudna (USA), and Virginijus Šikšnys (Lithuania) 
• Kavli Prize in Neuroscience: A. James Hudspeth (USA), Robert Fettiplace (UK), and Christine Petit (France)

“These Laureates represent truly pioneering science, the kind of science which will benefit humanity in a profound way. They will inspire both current and future generations to continue searching for answers to some of the most difficult questions of our time. Through their hard work, dedication, and innovation, they have strengthened our understanding of existence,” says Ole M. Sejersted, President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. 

The Prize consists of a gold medal and a cash prize of USD $1 million for each field. The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters selected the Laureates, based on nominations by committees whose members are recommended by six of the world’s most renowned science societies and academies. The announcement of the 2018 Laureates was made in Oslo and streamed live to the World Science Festival in New York City. Visit the Kavli Prize website to read more about the laureates and watch the announcement.