The Artefact of the Month in October presents György Hevesy’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry and its diploma. The artefacts reflect the finissage of the joint exhibition of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences – celebrating its 200th anniversary this year – and the Hungarian National Museum, where Albert Szent-Györgyi’s and Katalin Karikó’s Nobel-price in Physiology or Medicine are also on display. The temporary exhibition Magical Power – Knowledge. Community. Academy is on view until 26 October, while the Artefact of the Month can be seen until 2 November.

György Hevesy (1885–1966) was born in Budapest and became one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century. As a young scientist, he worked in several eading radiochemical laboratories across Europe and discovered the 72nd element of the periodic table, hafnium. His research focused on radioactive isotopes, and he laid the foundations of nuclear medicine. Thanks to his methods, today’s PET-CT scans became possible, which are indispensable tools in modern medical diagnostics. Between 1924 and 1936, Hevesy was nominated seven times for the Nobel Prize, which he finally received in 1943. He was awarded the prize “for his use of isotopes as tracers.” Due to wartime circumstances, however, he could only receive the medal in 1944.

The Nobel medal is 66 mm in diameter, weighs 207.59 grams, and features Alfred Nobel’s portrait alongside allegorical representations. On the reverse, Mother Nature holds a cornucopia while the Genius of Science lifts her veil, symbolizing the unveiling of hidden parts of nature. The medal is accompanied by a unique, hand-decorated diploma, an inseparable part of the award. The Nobel Prize reflects not only Hevesy’s scientific greatness but also his commitment to research serving humanity. As one of the world’s most prestigious international awards, it highlights the enduring value of science and culture.

Now visitors of the Hungarian National Museum can admire this extraordinary relic up close. Discover in October how György Hevesy’s achievements became a cornerstone of modern science!

The Artefact of the Month can be viewed in the Széchényi Hall of the Hungarian National Museum with a ticket for the permanent exhibition, or the MAGIC POWER – Knowledge. Community. Academy temporary exhibition.

For further insights into the Artefact of the Month, visit our online publication. Look inside!