Is it love or jealousy? Why isn't mathematics included in the Nobel Prizes?

October, like every year, plays host to Nobel Prize season. Scientists in physics, chemistry, and medicine eagerly awaited the gold medal winner in Stockholm.

But for mathematicians, this period is a bit bittersweet, as always, because they don't have a Nobel Prize .

IS IT JEALOUSY OR LOVE?

There has never been a Nobel Prize in mathematics . And contrary to popular myth, there is no evidence that Alfred Nobel made this decision out of jealousy or love.

Legend has it that Nobel removed mathematics from his list after learning that his girlfriend, Sofie Hess, was having an affair with the renowned mathematician Gösta Mittag-Leffler. The real reason is less sensational, but reflects Nobel's character.

Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, inventor, and industrialist who lived from 1833 to 1896, was an idealist who believed that discoveries would benefit humanity. However, his most famous invention was dynamite.

In his will, Nobel requested that awards be given to those who “contribute the greatest benefit to humanity.” He wrote:

The prizes for physics and chemistry will be awarded by the Swedish Academy of Sciences, the prize for physiology or medicine by the Karolinska Institutet, the prize for literature by the Stockholm Academy, and the peace prize by a committee of five elected by the Norwegian Parliament.

ECONOMY AWARD WAS ADDED LATER

Mathematics was not on this list at all. In 1969, with the support of the Swedish Central Bank, a prize for economics was added, but mathematics was still excluded.

The most common explanation is that Nobel was a lover of "applied science." He was fascinated by engineering, technology , and discoveries that directly impacted human life. Mathematics likely seemed too abstract and disconnected from the real world to him.

Even today, Nobel Prizes seem to prioritize experimental and concrete discoveries. For example, while physics is rooted in theory, in recent years, advances in engineering-related fields, such as quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits or machine learning, have been recognized.

THERE IS ANOTHER EXPLANATION

Another explanation, according to IFL Science, is that mathematicians are already highly respected in Sweden.

Mittag-Leffler was a close friend of the then-king, Oscar II, and ensured that prizes were awarded to mathematicians across Europe.

Not only mathematics, but also fields like engineering, biology, and environmental sciences are not included in the Nobel Prize categories. However, these fields can sometimes gain indirect recognition. For example, medicine or physiology prizes are often awarded for biology-based discoveries—such as the discovery of the structure of DNA, genetics, and immunology. Similarly, engineering achievements like semiconductors, materials science, or laser technology can be awarded under physics or chemistry.

So while mathematicians may not have their own Nobel Prize, they do have some consolation: the Fields Medal, the Abel Prize, and perhaps most importantly, the fact that every Nobel Prize-winning discovery is based on their equations.