Global Scientists on the Move: 30% of Nobel Winners Left Their Homelands for Breakthroughs

More than 30% of this century's science Nobel prizewinners immigrated: see their journeys In a testament to the global nature of scientific innovation, more than 30% of the Nobel Prize winners in physics, chemistry, and medicine awarded this century have emigrated from their country of birth. According to an analysis by Nature, out of 202 laureates, only 63 hailed from the same country where they received their prize. Among the recent crop of Nobel prizewinners announced on Wednesday are two immigrants: Omar Yaghi, a Jordanian-born scientist who now resides in the United States and won the Chemistry Prize; and Richard Robson, born in the United Kingdom but living in Australia. Two of the three Physics winners for 2025 also have international backgrounds: Michel Devoret, born in France and residing in the US, and John Clarke, a UK native now living in the US. "Immigration has long been a driving force behind scientific progress," said Dr. Yaghi in an interview with Nature. "It allows scientists to access new resources, collaborate with diverse teams, and bring fresh perspectives to their work." The trend of Nobel prizewinners being immigrants is not new. Albert Einstein, one of the most iconic scientists of the 20th century, moved from Germany to Switzerland before settling in the United States. "This phenomenon highlights the global nature of scientific inquiry," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a physicist and former president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). "Science knows no borders, and it's heartening to see talented individuals contributing to humanity's collective knowledge from around the world." The analysis by Nature reveals that many Nobel laureates have made multiple international moves throughout their careers. For instance, Dr. Yaghi moved from Jordan to the United States as a teenager. "It's not just about individual talent; it's also about creating opportunities for collaboration and exchange," said Dr. Zuber. "Immigration has been instrumental in fostering global scientific progress." As the world continues to grapple with pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality, the contributions of immigrant scientists like Yaghi and Devoret serve as a reminder of the power of international collaboration. In related news, the Nobel Prize ceremonies are scheduled to take place on December 10 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. *Reporting by Nature.*