Below is a brief description of the process involved in selecting the Nobel Prize laureates (获奖者) in physics.
September-Nomination (提名) forms are sent out.
The Nobel Committee sends out confidential forms to around 3,000 people-selected professors at universities around the world, Nobel Prize laureates in physics and chemistry, and members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, among others.
February-Deadline for submission.
The completed nomination forms must reach the Nobel Committee no later than 31st January of the following year. The Committee screens the nominations and selects the preliminary candidates. About 250-350 names are nominated as several nominators often submit the same name.
March-May-Consultation with experts.
The Nobel Committee sends the names of the preliminary (初步的) candidates to specially appointed experts for their assessment of the candidates' work.
Jun-August-Writing of the report.
The Nobel Committee puts together the report with recommendations to be submitted to the Academy. The report is signed by all members of the Committee.
September-Committee submits recommendations.
The Nobel Committee submits its report with recommendations on the final candidates to the members of the Academy. The report is discussed at two meetings of the Physics Class of the Academy.
October-Nobel Prize laureates are chosen.
In early October, the Academy selects the Nobel Prize laureates in physics through a majority vote. The decision is final and without appeal. The names of the Nobel Laureates are then announced.
December-Nobel Prize laureates receive their prize.
The Nobel Prize award ceremony takes place on 10 December in Stockholm, where the Nobel Prize laureates receive their Nobel Prize, which consists of a Nobel Prize medal and diploma (证书), and a document confirming the prize amount.
