The late 1930s were a turning point for science, literature and international affairs, and Nobel decisions from that year reflect both individual breakthroughs and the wider context of the era. Scanning that season of awards gives a compact view of who was recognized and why.
There are 4 1938 Nobel Prize Winners, ranging from Corneille Heymans,Richard Kuhn to others that show the period’s disciplinary spread. Each entry is organized as Prize category,Country,Citation (short, max 15 words) so you can quickly see what each laureate was honored for — you’ll find below.
Which prize categories are covered among the 1938 winners?
The four entries cover the main Nobel areas awarded that year (for example, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature); the list shows each laureate’s prize category next to their country and a concise citation to indicate the reason for the award.
How should I use the short citations and columns when scanning the list?
Treat the Citation (short, max 15 words) as a quick summary of the official reason; use the Prize category and Country columns to filter by field or region, and expand any entry if you need full citation details or source links.
1938 Nobel Prize Winners
| Name | Prize category | Country | Citation (short, max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrico Fermi | Physics | Italy | for his demonstrations of new radioactive elements produced by neutron irradiation and nuclear reactions |
| Richard Kuhn | Chemistry | Germany | for his work on carotenoids and vitamins |
| Corneille Heymans | Physiology or Medicine | Belgium | for his discoveries regarding sinus and aortic mechanisms in regulation of respiration |
| Pearl S. Buck | Literature | United States | for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China |
Images and Descriptions
Enrico Fermi
Enrico Fermi, Italian physicist known for nuclear physics and development of experimental methods. Awarded for neutron-induced radioactivity and slow neutron reactions; his work led to nuclear reactor development. His papers and archives are held in Italian and U.S. institutions and science museums.
Richard Kuhn
Richard Kuhn, German chemist noted for research on carotenoids and vitamins. Award recognized his isolation and structural studies of pigments and vitamin compounds, influencing nutrition and biochemistry. His publications and chemical collections are found in German research archives and university libraries.
Corneille Heymans
Corneille Heymans, Belgian physiologist honored for discoveries about sinus and aortic mechanisms regulating respiration. His experiments clarified neural reflexes controlling breathing, shaping cardiovascular and respiratory physiology. Originals and laboratory notes reside in Belgian medical archives and university collections.
Pearl S. Buck
Pearl S. Buck, American novelist and essayist recognized for vivid portrayals of Chinese peasant life and cross-cultural narratives. Award honored her novels and biographies that introduced Western readers to Chinese society; her papers and editions are held in U.S. libraries and literary archives.
