Nobel Prize for Medicine: Nobel Prize winner Hegemann: Research takes courage

For Nobel Prize winner in medicine Peter Hegemann, his research career has not been as straightforward as it might seem. “I'm a chemist, then I did biochemistry, then I did plant physiology for ten years. Then I had a professorship in biochemistry, then one in biophysics, and now I'm a neuroscientist, although I've never done a neuroscientific experiment in my life," said Hegemann at the press conference at the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU). “It takes courage to move into new territories.”

Hegemann recommended that young researchers do what interests them. «You can't do research to win a prize. You have to do what makes you happy.” Did he previously dream of a Nobel Prize? Hegemann said that the question of a price is primarily brought to you by journalists.

It was announced on Monday that Hegemann, together with Georg Nagel from the University of Würzburg and the US researcher Karl Deisseroth, would be honored for their discoveries in optogenetics.

Hegemann said he was also proud of his employees and emphasized how important it was to have international exchange in research. When he introduces his employees, there are at least ten different nationalities among them. Free exchange is important for international research.

The support for optogenetics from the university president was also important, said Hegemann, referring to HU President Julia von Blumenthal. This recognized his research as outstanding basic research. Optogenetics is getting a new building that is scheduled to be completed in May 2029.

The awarding of the Nobel Prize traditionally takes place on December 10th in Stockholm, the anniversary of the death of the prize founder Alfred Nobel. The most important award for doctors is worth twelve million Swedish crowns, the equivalent of around one million euros. The winners who share the money can do whatever they want with it. What does he do with the money? Hegemann's short answer to whether he already has any ideas is: No, he hasn't even thought about it yet.