Surprising Moments of Nobel Prize Announcements: Winners' Reactions

Mon Oct 20 2025 18:22:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

This year's Nobel Prize winners experienced unexpected ways of receiving the life-changing news, from early morning knocks to missed phone calls while on vacation.

The Nobel Prizes, renowned for honoring significant achievements, revealed this year's winners in a series of surprising announcements. Some received phone calls in the early hours, while others were informed by photographers at their door or via family updates during outdoor trips. Notable winners include Mary E. Brunkow, recognized for her work in medicine, and John Martinis, a physics laureate, who shared their unexpected reactions to the news.

BERLIN (PulseWire) — The announcement of this year's Nobel Prize winners was filled with unexpected moments. Some winners awoke to knocks on their doors at dawn, while others were caught off guard by phone calls that were mistaken for telemarketing. For some, the news reached them while on vacation or enjoying outdoor trips.

Among the winners was Mary E. Brunkow, who won the prestigious award for her research in medicine. She was roused from sleep by the Associated Press team, with her husband initially unsure of the momentous news. John Martinis, a physics laureate, experienced a similar wake-up call and initially thought the approaching news was simply a routine interview request.

In a notable twist, Fred Ramsdell found out about his award only after his wife’s frantic notifications flooded their car while they were driving through Yellowstone National Park, with his phone set to airplane mode.

As the Nobel Committee connects with winners just before the official announcements, many opt to ignore calls from unknown numbers, leading to humorous and bewildered moments as laureates realize the significance of the calls. The unveiling of winners continues a long-held tradition of surprise and celebration in the prestigious realm of Nobel recognition.