Ig Nobel Prize Relocates to Europe
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Mar 09, 2026 · Last updated Mar 10, 2026
The relocation of the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony from the United States to Europe, specifically ETH Zurich, has a minor impact on the academic and cultural sectors. Institutions like Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University will no longer host the event, while the University of Zurich and Ethereum Name Service will gain hosting responsibilities, potentially boosting their international profile.
The annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, which honors satirical scientific achievements, is relocating from the United States to Europe for the first time in its 36-year history. The organizers, Annals of Improbable Research, cited concerns about attendees securing visas due to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, making it 'unsafe' for international guests. The ceremony will now be held in ETH Zurich, Switzerland, every other year, with other European cities hosting in between. This move means that previous host institutions in the United States, such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University, will no longer be involved. The University of Zurich and Ethereum Name Service are collaborating to produce this year's event, with Milo Puhan, a past Ig Nobel Prize winner, welcoming the change.
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