Why Isn't There a Prestigious Prize like the Nobel or Fields for Engineering?

Engineering is the application of basic sciences. Yet, while we have prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize and the Fields Medal for mathematicians, there is a notable absence of a similar award specifically for engineers. Why is this the case?

The Roots of the Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize, established in 1895, reflects Alfred Nobel's vision to honor extraordinary achievements in multiple disciplines: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The economics prize, while highly valued, is officially known as the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, due to stipulations on prize creation in Nobel's will.

Nobel’s will specifically limited the prizes to advances in fundamental science, excluding biology, geology, computer science, or technology-driven fields such as engineering or robotics. This decision was based on a view that engineering and other applied sciences did not qualify as fundamental science.

Alternative Recognition for Engineering

Despite the absence of a Nobel equivalent, there is a prize for Civil Engineering named after Alfred Nobel. It is often overlooked, however, as it is not as widely known as the Nobel Prize. Engineers do receive recognition through awards from various societies, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and other engineering organizations. These awards aim to honor technological innovations and exceptional contributions to the field.

Scientific Versus Engineering Contributions

Engineering contributions can be incredibly significant, often leading to direct financial success for those involved. For example, the identification of radio waves by Heinrich Hertz, which proved James Clerk Maxwell's theories on electromagnetic waves, had far-reaching practical applications. However, the Nobel Prize is more commonly awarded for discoveries that have a clear and direct impact on society, such as the theoretical work of scientists.

Despite this, many scientific discoveries have practical applications that are unforeseen. Hertz never imagined the numerous uses for radio waves, and his work laid the foundation for the entire telecommunication industry. This highlights the complex relationship between theoretical and applied science and the challenges in identifying worthy recipients for a prize in engineering.

Legacy of Economic Prizes

The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is a more recent creation, introduced in 1968. It is often misunderstood as being part of the original Nobel Prize, but it is not. The award was created after a Swedish bank successfully lobbied for its establishment, and some suggest it was more about funding the bank's own research than creating a genuine academic prize.

The legacy of the economic prize, while valuable in its own right, has been criticized. Many Nobel laureates in economics have received awards for theories that are seen as flawed or overly simplistic. The entire concept of 'rational economics' was discredited during the 1970s economic downturn in Western Europe and the Soviet Union. The decline of Western Europe can be attributed to unwise economic policies that were not based on theoretical rigor.

Today, some countries are reevaluating their economic models, recognizing the limitations of neoliberal economics. The mixed economy model, where government and market forces coexist, has proven to be more resilient during periods of crisis.

Conclusion

While the Nobel Prize and Fields Medal are iconic symbols of scientific and mathematical excellence, the reasons for the lack of a similar prize in engineering are complex. It reflects the different goals and societal impacts of theoretical versus applied sciences. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and reward the contributions of engineers who drive innovation and improve our lives.