As this year’s Nobel Prizes were announced in early October, once again Japan’s scientific community held its breath ... and once again they came away empty-handed.

Preparations for Nobel Week at some universities begin long in advance, with staff updating the profiles of scientists on the list of “hopefuls” nominated by each faculty. The PR team drafts a congratulatory statement, books a venue for a press conference and coordinates everyone’s role beforehand so they can respond smoothly to the onslaught of media attention if someone wins.

At some universities, preparations for Nobel Week begin long in advance, with staff updating the profiles of scientists on the list of hopefuls nominated by each faculty. The PR team drafts a congratulatory statement, books a venue for a press conference and coordinates everyone’s role beforehand so they can respond smoothly to the onslaught of media attention in case someone wins.