World Photos

Thomas A. Steitz of the U.S. receives the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf (R) at the Concert Hall in Stockholm December 10, 2009. Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize, an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. In 1968, the Sveriges Riksbank (Bank of Sweden) instituted the Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize. Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma, and a cash award.