10th December 2015 Stockholm, Sweden
Celebrating Success in Stockholm – the Nobel Prizes
On arrival at Stockholm Arlanda airport is a large sign welcoming visitors to the Swedish capital. Nothing unusual in that of course. But what makes this sign different is exactly who the sign is welcoming. Holidaymakers back from Thailand? Weary business people from the US? Neither. The sign says ‘Welcome Students and Researchers.’
Anyone who spends long enough in Sweden will see that this is a country which prides itself on its strength in science and innovation. For a country of under 10 million people, their heritage in the field is truly impressive. From the invention of the thermometer scale (you might recognise the name of Anders Celsius), the safety match, the three-point seat belt (courtesy of Volvo) and right up to the present day with global tech companies such as Spotify and Skype, Swedes have been leading the way in pushing the boundaries.
It is perhaps fitting then that Sweden is home to the world’s most prestigious event recognising human endeavour and ingenuity – The Nobel Prize ceremony. Every year on the 10th December, the anniversary of Alfed Nobel’s death, the world’s leading minds and cream of Swedish society gather in Stockholm to celebrate the greatest contribution to the fields of medicine, chemistry, physics, literature and economics. Our Norwegian neighbours have the honour of awarding the Peace prize at the same time in Oslo.
It is an immense pleasure for the Embassy to share in the magic of this wonderful event. The UK has a great track record in Nobel success, with several recent winners having a close association to Britain – such as Professor Higgs in 2013 and Professor O’Keefe last year – highlighting the strength and depth of the UK research base.
This year is no exception, and we were delighted to see Angus Deaton pick up this year’s prize in economic sciences. And in a good example of the close bonds shared between the UK and Sweden, this year’s Chemistry prize went (partly) to Tomas Lindahl – a Swedish citizen based at the Francis Crick Institute in the UK. We are looking forward to welcoming both laureates to the British residence during Nobel week to celebrate their success.
This is a city where science and innovation pervades everyday life. Where walking to the Embassy might take you through Nobelparken (The Nobel Park) or along Laboratoriegatan (Laboratory Street). Where millions tune in to watch the Nobel ceremony broadcast, after having dedicated a week’s worth of programming to the Prizes, and where newspapers speculate feverishly on what the distinguished guests will be served at the banquet.
We are looking forward to a very busy week here in Stockholm, and one which will see countless dignitaries pass beneath that very fitting sign.
More information can be found at www.nobelprize.org