The Nobel Prize in Chemistry represents one of the highest honors in scientific achievement, recognizing groundbreaking contributions that have significantly advanced the field. The 2019 award, which celebrated the development of lithium-ion batteries, serves as an illuminating case study for understanding the rigorous nomination and selection process. This process involves multiple stages of evaluation, strict confidentiality, and the collaboration of expert committees and referees to ensure the prize is awarded based on merit and impact.

The nomination process begins nearly a year before the announcement. Each year, the Nobel Committee for Chemistry sends out confidential invitations to qualified nominators, who include members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, previous Nobel laureates in chemistry and physics, professors in relevant disciplines at selected universities, and other scientists appointed by the Academy. For the 2019 prize, these invitations were dispatched in September 2018, with a deadline for submissions set for January 31, 2019. Nominators are required to submit a detailed proposal justifying their candidate’s eligibility, often supported by published work and evidence of the discovery’s impact.

Once nominations are collected, the Nobel Committee, composed of five elected members from the Academy, begins its preliminary assessment. The 2019 committee reviewed hundreds of nominations, a number typical for the Chemistry Prize. The initial task involves categorizing the nominations based on their scientific area and evaluating the significance of each contribution. The committee may consult additional experts to clarify technical aspects or assess the long-term influence of the work. For the lithium-ion battery researchers—John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino—their pioneering work spanned decades, with Goodenough and Whittingham laying the foundation in the 1970s and 1980s, while Yoshino developed the first commercially viable lithium-ion battery in 1985.

After preliminary discussions, the committee shortlists candidates for further review. This step involves in-depth reports prepared by committee members or external referees, who are specialists in the relevant field. These reports critically analyze the nominated work, its originality, and its impact on science and society. In the case of the 2019 prize, the referees examined how lithium-ion batteries revolutionized portable electronics, enabled electric vehicles, and facilitated renewable energy storage. The committee also considered whether the discovery had stood the test of time, a criterion often emphasized in Nobel selections.

By spring, the committee narrows the list to a handful of finalists. Deliberations intensify as members debate the merits of each candidate. The discussions are thorough, often involving multiple rounds of voting. The committee must reach a consensus or majority decision before presenting its recommendation to the Academy’s Chemistry Class, a broader group of experts within the Academy. The Class reviews the committee’s report and may request additional clarifications or adjustments. For the 2019 award, the Class endorsed the committee’s proposal to honor the lithium-ion battery pioneers, recognizing their collective contributions as transformative.

The final decision rests with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in its plenary session, typically held in early October. During this session, the Academy votes on the committee’s recommendation. A majority vote is required to approve the laureates. The proceedings are strictly confidential, and members are bound by secrecy regarding discussions and voting outcomes. On October 9, 2019, the Academy publicly announced the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, citing the laureates for creating a rechargeable world.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the Nobel process. Nominations, evaluations, and deliberations remain sealed for 50 years, ensuring that discussions are candid and free from external influence. This rule also prevents speculation about potential future winners, maintaining the integrity of the prize. The 2019 award highlighted how this secrecy allows the committee to focus solely on scientific merit without public or political pressure.

The selection of the lithium-ion battery innovators underscored the Nobel Committee’s preference for discoveries with profound practical applications. The committee noted that the laureates’ work had enabled the development of lightweight, high-capacity batteries essential for modern technology. Their achievement aligned with Alfred Nobel’s vision of honoring contributions that confer the greatest benefit to humankind.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry’s nomination and selection process is meticulous and multi-layered, designed to identify and reward truly transformative science. The 2019 award to Goodenough, Whittingham, and Yoshino exemplified how this process culminates in recognizing discoveries that reshape industries and improve daily life. From initial nominations to the final Academy vote, every step is conducted with rigor, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. The confidentiality and structured evaluation ensure that the prize remains one of the most respected and anticipated accolades in the scientific world.