Dr. Alfred Bernhard Nobel was a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, armaments manufacturer and the inventor of dynamite. Dr. Nobel's greatness lay in his ability to combine the penetrating mind of the scientist and inventor with the forward-looking dynamism of the industrialist. Dr. Nobel was very interested in social and peace-related issues and held what were considered radical views in his era. He had a great interest in literature and wrote his own poetry and dramatic works. As an extension and a fulfillment of his lifetime interests, in his last will, Dr. Nobel used his enormous fortune to institute the . Claes Nobel, the senior member of the Nobel family, has continued Dr. Nobel's legacy through United Earth Foundation, which advocates humanitarian leadership and the protection of Earth's environment.

Winning a Nobel Prize is a life-changing honor. Whether the laureate is an internationally known figure--such as Mother Teresa, winner of the 1979 Peace Prize or a scientist plucked from obscurity--like Richard R. Ernst, who won the 1991 prize in chemistry for refinements in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy--the award brings with it worldwide recognition that highlights one's life work and provides the funds to continue and further one's mission. For academics and institutions, a Nobel Prize is used to attract the best and the brightest minds, whether students or scholars.