Hargittai I. The Road to Stockholm: Nobel Prizes, Science, and Scientists

Oxford University Press, 2003. — 342 p. — ISBN: 9780198509127, 019850912X.The Nobel Prize is by far the highest recognition a scientist may receive and the only one with which the general public is familiar. Its prestige has reached improbable heights. At the same time a lot of myth surrounds the Nobel Prize, and this is compounded by the fact that people tend to view scientists with some bewilderment. This book introduces the process of selection of the laureates, discusses the ingredients for scientific discovery and for getting recognition. It reviews the decisive moments of scientific careers in route to the Nobel Prize, points to characteristic features of the laureates, the importance of mentors and venues in scientific careers and other components of success. It also covers some discoverers and discoveries for whom and for which the Nobel Prize never materialized. Whereas there is no general recipe for receiving the Nobel Prize, there are common features of successful scientific careers. The book reveals some information about the scientists' lives and careers that may guide other scientists in increasing their chances of becoming more effective and better recognized players - although it is not expected to help anyone to receive the Nobel Prize!
For the general reader The Road to Stockholm reveals the human face of scientists and the human side of their endeavours. The Nobel Prize has served as inspiration for scientists and the general public for a hundred years: this book discusses its problems and celebrates its triumphs.The Nobel Prize and Sweden
The Nobel Prize and national politics
Who wins Nobel Prizes?
Discoveries
Overcoming adversity
What turned you to science?
Venue
Mentor
Changing and combining fields
Making an impact
Is there life after the Nobel Prize?
Who did not win
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Notes
Further reading
Nobel laureates in the sciences, 1901-2001