Why there is No Nobel Prize for Mathematics? Know the Reason

The Nobel Prize is one of the most respected awards in the world, honoring remarkable achievements in science, literature, and peace. However, many people are surprised to learn that mathematics is not one of its categories. Since the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, this missing field has sparked debates, questions, and even myths about Alfred Nobel’s decision.

Let’s explore why mathematics was excluded and what honors exist today for brilliant mathematicians.

Alfred Nobel’s Vision Behind the Nobel Prizes

Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor best known for creating dynamite, established the Nobel Prizes in his will in 1895. His goal was to reward individuals whose work benefited humanity in practical and meaningful ways.

The prizes were created for Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace — subjects that, at the time, had a clear and visible impact on people’s lives. Mathematics, however, was left out.

Historians believe Nobel wanted to recognize applied sciences and contributions that could directly improve society — such as new inventions or discoveries that saved lives — rather than purely theoretical work.

Myths About the Missing Mathematics Prize

Over time, several myths and stories have tried to explain why Nobel left out mathematics. One popular claim was that he had personal conflicts or jealousy toward mathematicians. However, these stories have been proven false.

Here’s what we actually know:

• No evidence of personal disputes: Nobel was never married and had no recorded rivalry with any mathematician.
• Existing math prizes: During Nobel’s lifetime, Sweden already had a respected mathematics award created by Gösta Mittag-Leffler, a well-known Swedish mathematician. Nobel may have seen no need for another one.
• Practical focus: Nobel’s main interest was in fields that could produce tangible inventions and results, not abstract theories.

Therefore, his omission of mathematics was most likely a matter of focus and purpose, not emotion or bias.

What is the Highest Award in Mathematics?

Even without a Nobel Prize, mathematics has its own world-famous honors that celebrate exceptional talent and groundbreaking discoveries.

The Fields Medal – ”The Nobel of Mathematics”

The Fields Medal is the most prestigious award in mathematics and is often called the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics.”

• First Awarded: 1936
• Frequency: Every 4 years
• Age Limit: Under 40 years old
• Prize Amount: CA$15,000

This award recognizes young mathematicians for outstanding achievements and encourages future contributions to the field.

Famous Winners: Maryam Mirzakhani (first woman winner), Terence Tao, Grigori Perelman.

The Abel Prize – Lifetime Achievement in Mathematics

The Abel Prize, established in 2003 by the Norwegian government, honors mathematicians for lifetime achievements without any age restriction.

• Frequency: Annual
• Prize Amount: Around $1 million (USD)
• Purpose: To recognize deep, long-term contributions to mathematics.

Notable Winners: Andrew Wiles (who solved Fermat’s Last Theorem), Jean-Pierre Serre, Karen Uhlenbeck (first woman recipient).

These awards ensure that mathematics receives global recognition comparable to the Nobel Prize.

Mathematics Who Won Nobel Prizes in Other Fields

Even though there’s no Nobel Prize for mathematics, several mathematicians have still received Nobel honors — but in other categories.

• John Nash (1994, Economics): Awarded for his revolutionary work in game theory, which reshaped modern economics.
• Leonid Hurwicz (2007, Economics): Recognized for developing mechanism design theory, another math-based field in economics.
• Bertrand Russell (1950, Literature): Though a philosopher and mathematician, he won for his philosophical writings, not mathematical research.

These examples show that mathematics continues to influence Nobel-winning discoveries in economics, physics, and other sciences.

The Real Reason – Practical Focus, Not Neglect

Alfred Nobel’s choice to exclude mathematics wasn’t an oversight or rejection of the field. It reflected the scientific priorities of his time. In the 19th century, mathematics was largely considered theoretical, while Nobel aimed to reward practical innovations that had immediate human benefits.

As science evolved, mathematics became more deeply connected to real-world applications — in technology, economics, and medicine — proving how crucial it truly is.