The Nobel Prize announcements for physics, chemistry, and physiology or medicine are just around the corner, and the scientific community is abuzz with anticipation. Each year, these prestigious awards, established by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel over a century ago, shine a spotlight on groundbreaking achievements that often take decades to realize. However, predicting the winners is notoriously challenging due to the secrecy surrounding nominations and the selection process, which remains hidden from public scrutiny for 50 years.

Despite the uncertainty of this year’s winners, there are numerous discoveries that are considered Nobel-worthy yet have not received the recognition they deserve. Here, we explore five significant scientific breakthroughs that have made a lasting impact but have yet to receive the esteemed accolade.

The Human Genome Project

Among the most frequently mentioned candidates for a Nobel Prize is the Human Genome Project, an ambitious initiative that commenced in 1990 and reached completion in 2003. This monumental effort involved an international collaboration of thousands of researchers from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and China.

The mapping of the human genome has revolutionized our understanding of biology and medicine, influencing numerous fields. However, one of the primary reasons it may have been overlooked for a Nobel Prize is the scale of collaboration involved. According to the stipulations laid out in Alfred Nobel’s will, only up to three individuals can be honored per award, which poses a significant challenge given the extensive teamwork that characterized this project.

Revolutionizing Obesity Treatment

In recent years, the development of groundbreaking weight-loss medications that mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has transformed the healthcare landscape. With obesity affecting one in eight individuals globally—a figure that has more than doubled since 1990—these medications, which lower blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, hold the potential to usher in a new era of treatment for obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Three scientists—Svetlana Mojsov, Dr. Joel Habener, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen—were instrumental in the development of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has gained significant attention in the medical community. Their contributions were recognized with the 2024 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, yet many believe that their work merits consideration for a Nobel Prize as well.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology has been hailed as one of the most revolutionary advancements in genetics in recent history. This powerful tool, which allows for precise modifications to DNA, has opened up new avenues for research and potential therapies for a variety of genetic disorders. Developed by scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, CRISPR has made significant impacts on fields ranging from agriculture to medicine.

Despite its transformative potential, the Nobel Committee has yet to award a prize for this groundbreaking innovation. The technology’s widespread applications and the collaborative nature of its development complicate the selection of a limited number of laureates, leaving many to speculate when, or if, it will finally receive its due recognition.

Advancements in Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents a significant leap forward in computational power, enabling calculations that were previously thought impossible. Researchers have made remarkable strides in this field, with innovations that could revolutionize industries ranging from cryptography to drug discovery.

Despite the rapid advancements and the potential for profound impacts on society, the Nobel Prize has yet to be awarded in this area. The complexity of quantum mechanics and the collaborative efforts required to push the boundaries of this technology pose challenges for the Nobel Committee in selecting deserving recipients.

Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment

The field of cancer treatment has witnessed revolutionary changes with the advent of immunotherapy, a therapeutic approach that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Pioneering researchers have developed groundbreaking treatments that have significantly improved survival rates for various types of cancer.

Although some researchers in this field have received accolades, the Nobel Prize has not yet been awarded specifically for immunotherapy. The complexity of cancer treatment research and the collaborative efforts required to develop these therapies make it challenging to pinpoint specific individuals for recognition.

As the scientific community eagerly awaits the announcement of this year’s Nobel Prize winners, these five groundbreaking discoveries serve as a reminder of the incredible advancements that have shaped our understanding of science and medicine. While the Nobel Prizes continue to honor exceptional achievements, the list of deserving candidates remains extensive, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of scientific progress.