Press release from Nobel Prize Outreach

Nobel Prize laureates in Madrid to discuss where science takes us

21 April 2026
2022_NPD_ Madrid (90)

Photo: Nobel Prize Outreach/Alejandro Amador.

Nobel Prize Conversation returns to Madrid on 5 May 2026, bringing together Nobel Prize laureates, leading thinkers and the public for an open conversation on the evolution of science and where it may take us next.

Under the theme “Where science takes us: looking back, looking forward”, the event will explore whether scientific progress is predictable, how dependent new discoveries are on emerging technologies, whether artificial intelligence changes everything, and what role imagination plays in scientific breakthroughs.

The dialogue will feature Nobel Prize laureates Stefan Hell (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014) and Benjamin List (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021), who will reflect on the transformations in scientific understanding they have witnessed during their careers and share their perspectives on the future of science. They will be joined on stage by scientific historian José Manuel Sánchez Ron and philosopher of science Laura Nuño de la Rosa. The conversation will be moderated by Adam Smith, Chief Scientific Officer at Nobel Prize Outreach.

Stefan W. Hell
Stefan Hell. © Nobel Prize Outreach. Photo: A. Mahmoud
Benjamin List
Benjamin List. Photo: Henning Kretschmer

The event will take place at Fundación Ramón Areces in Madrid and includes both a panel discussion and a dialogue with the audience.

Nobel Prize Conversations is organised by Nobel Prize Outreach and Fundación Ramón Areces, with the support of Nobel International Partners ABB, EQT and Scania. 

Event details

Date: 5 May 2026
Time: 18:30–20:00 CEST
Venue: Fundación Ramón Areces, Calle Vitruvio 5, Madrid
Registration: Information available at https://www.nobelprize.org/events/nobel-prize-dialogue/madrid-2026/

Nobel Prize Outreach

Nobel Prize Outreach spreads knowledge about Nobel Prize-awarded achievements and stimulates interest in science, literature and peace in line with Alfred Nobel’s vision and legacy. Nobel Prize Outreach reaches a global audience of millions through its high-quality productions: The official digital channels of the Nobel Prize, the Nobel Prize Concert, as well as a series of intercontinental, inspirational lecture events featuring Nobel Prize laureates.

Contacts
+46 8 122 084 45