The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has awarded the 2024 Kavli Prizes to ten international researchers for transformative discoveries in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience. Each of the three fields receives a $1 million award, shared among the recipients, recognizing breakthroughs that range from mapping the history of the Milky Way to manipulating nanomaterials and understanding brain plasticity.
How has the history of the Milky Way been rewritten?
Astrophysicists Vasily Belokurov, Amina Helmi, and Rodrigo Ibata received the Kavli Prize for uncovering fossil evidence of ancient galactic mergers. According to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, their work proves that the Milky Way was formed through hierarchical accretion rather than remaining a static, isolated system. This discovery shifts the scientific understanding of galaxy formation, moving away from the view of the Milky Way as a simple, stable spiral. By identifying these “fossils” in the galaxy’s structure, researchers can now reconstruct the violent, complex history of our cosmic neighborhood.
The term “hierarchical accretion” describes a process where larger structures, like galaxies, are built up over time through the repeated collision and merger of smaller systems.
What is “twistronics” and why does it matter?
In the field of nanoscience, Eva Y. Andrei, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, and Allan H. MacDonald were honored for establishing the field of “twistronics.” As reported by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, these researchers discovered that rotating layers of graphene to a specific “magic angle” of 1.1 degrees creates radical changes in the material’s properties. This technique allows scientists to turn materials into superconductors without altering their chemical composition. This development is significant because it provides a method for engineers to “program” physical properties into materials simply by adjusting their geometry.
Pro Tip: The Power of Geometry
Twistronics suggests that the future of material science may rely less on finding new, rare elements and more on manipulating the structural arrangement of common, abundant materials like carbon.
Can local protein production treat brain disorders?
The Kavli Prize in neuroscience recognizes Christine Holt, Kelsey Martin, Erin Schuman, and Oswald Steward for their discovery of local protein translation in nerve cells. Their research demonstrates that proteins can be manufactured exactly where they are needed within a neuron, rather than being transported from the cell body. According to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, this mechanism is essential for brain plasticity and development. This insight offers a new pathway for medical researchers to develop treatments for neurological conditions that involve failures in cellular communication or protein distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total prize money for the Kavli Prizes?
The Kavli Prize awards $1 million to each of the three categories (astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience), totaling $3 million, which is divided among the recipients in each field.
Who funds the Kavli Prizes?
The prize is a collaborative effort between the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, The Kavli Foundation in the United States, and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
When are the prizes presented?
The awards ceremony is scheduled for September 1 in Norway, according to Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland.
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