Nobel Prizes for Better Nose-Blowing and Cockroach Milk Protein Handed Out in Zurich

Rethink science, then have a laugh. That has been the spirit of the Ig Nobels for 36 years, and this year the deliberately “ignoble” ceremony brought its chaotic blend of discovery and comedy to Zurich.

The 36th edition took place at the city’s Kongresshaus, marking the first time the event had been held outside the United States. The evening honored research with subjects as unexpected as better ways to blow one’s nose and the protein content of cockroach milk.

The move to Switzerland had a serious reason behind its comic setting. Marc Abrahams, the founder of the Ig Nobels, said it had become dangerous for guests to travel to the United States. “We cannot in good conscience ask the new laureates or journalists to go there this year,” he said.

The result was an evening built around humor, discovery and open camaraderie. Zurich, at least for this edition, became the place where science and laughter met under the banner of prizes designed to make people laugh first, then think.

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It has become dangerous for our guests to travel to the United States. We cannot in good conscience ask the new laureates or journalists to go there this year.