Nobel celebrations: an elegant turn with science's elite

Science News, Jan 22, 2005 by Emily Sohn

David J. Gross, one of the three winners of the physics prize, wondered whether such lavish celebrations could be sustained. "Fortunately, nature is as generous with its problems as Nobel was with his fortune. The more we know, the more we are aware of what we know not. Indeed, the most important product of knowledge is ignorance," Gross said. "I am happy to report that there is no evidence that we are running out of our most important resource--ignorance. How lucky for science. How lucky for scientists. And how lucky for the Nobel Foundation."

Richard Axel of Columbia University, the cowinner of the prize in physiology or medicine, spoke about how winning a Nobel prize had made him appreciate how much he loves what he does. Axel and Buck were honored for major advances in understanding the human sense of smell.

"While performing these experiments," Axel said, "in watching the data unfold remarkably before our eyes, it seemed inconceivable that we could experience a moment of greater joy or fulfillment. But tonight we stand with you, with their majesties the king and queen, with follow scientists, with honored guests and friends, amidst the lights, the music, the trumpets, the wine, and feel an affection that adds a new and very human dimension to our science. In the midst of this joy of these festivities, I raise my glass to celebrate you."

As a journalist, I'll drink to that.

Emily Sohn writes for Science News for Kids and covers health and science for a variety if other publications.