The first Ig Nobel prizes were awarded in 1991 and are an American parody of the Nobel

Prizes. These awards raise the question of how you decide what is important and is not
important in science and in other matters.
The name is a play on the word ignoble (morally bad and making you feel ashamed) and the
name Nobel after Alfred Nobel.
Ten prizes are awarded each year in many categories, including the Nobel Prize categories of
physics, chemistry, physiology-medicine, literature and peace, but also other categories such
as public health, engineering, biology and interdisciplinary research.
The prizes are presented by genuine Nobel laureates. Each new winner is permitted a
maximum of 60 seconds to deliver an acceptance speech.
The awards ceremony is traditionally closed with the words: If you didnt win a prize and
especially if you did- better luck next year!