In fact, Alfred Nobel made no explicit mention of this requirement when he outlined his plan for the prizes in his will. And if deserving scientists were unfairly ignored in the past, those mistakes should be rectified.Ī major impediment to correcting prior omissions is the rule that Nobel Prizes cannot be awarded posthumously. Those doubts could be put to rest by ensuring the Nobel nominations and selections process gives everyone a fair chance in the race. As a physicist, I believe that the same argument can be made for my field and the other sciences - no one would want to win a Nobel because of unfair gender bias. Conversely, if a deserving player loses unfairly, it’s common to rectify the mistake.
That’s why, for example, we see staggered starts in races to ensure all athletes cover equal distances. In sports, no honest players want to win because of an unfair advantage. Related Opinion: Laud the Woman Who Said ‘No’ to the Bomb
