Every September, in the hallowed halls of Harvard University, something delightfully strange happens. Scientists, Nobel laureates, and an enthusiastic audience gather—not to celebrate the pinnacle of scientific gravity, but to honor research that is wonderfully weird, absurdly funny, and surprisingly insightful.

The motto of Ig Nobel Prizeis simple: “To honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.”

What Is the Ig Nobel Prize?

The Ig Nobel Prize (yes, a pun on “ignoble” and “Nobel”) is an annual award ceremony that recognizes real scientific studies that sound ridiculous at first glance—but often uncover something important, brilliant, or just profoundly human. Think of it as science with a wink and a nudge.

https://encyclopedia.pub/video_series/4

Created in 1991 by Marc Abrahams, editor of the Annals of Improbable Research, the prize has grown into a cult favorite among both scientists and science lovers. And while it might sound like a spoof, make no mistake: the research is real, peer-reviewed, and often backed by top universities and institutions.

A Ceremony Like No Other

Held at Harvard University, the Ig Nobel ceremony is pure chaotic fun. Nobel laureates hand out the awards. Winners are limited to 60-second speeches (with a child chanting “Please stop, I’m bored” if they go over). There’s even a mini opera every year, with themes like “The Energy Opera” and “The Brain Food Opera.”

After the confetti settles, winners give "Ig Informal Lectures"—short, serious talks explaining their quirky research to the public.

Laugh, Then Think

At first glance, the Ig Nobel Prize might look like a joke. But behind the laughter lies a deeper truth: science is about curiosity. Asking oddball questions can lead to surprising discoveries. Why do wombats poop cubes? Why do people avoid people who walk like zombies? Why do mathematicians study the optimal way to dunk an Oreo?

In celebrating the absurd, the Ig Nobels also remind us: science is everywhere, and no question is too small—or too silly—to matter.

Who Wins? Real Scientists

Contrary to what some may think, Ig Nobel laureates are often highly respected professionals—professors, doctors, engineers, and even NASA researchers. They’re not being mocked; they’re being honored for their creativity, courage, and willingness to explore the unexpected.

In fact, many scientists proudly display their Ig Nobel Prizes alongside more “serious” accolades.

In a world where science can seem distant or intimidating, the Ig Nobel Prize brings it down to earth—with a hearty laugh and a nod to the wonders of curiosity.

For more information about this topic, you can view our Ig Nobel Prize series videos.