Ig Nobels Ceremony Moves to Europe Amid Security Concerns

Annual parody of Nobel Prizes will be held in Zurich, Switzerland this year and beyond.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, which honors 'achievements that first make people laugh and then make them think,' is moving from its longtime home in Boston, Massachusetts to Zurich, Switzerland due to concerns about the safety of international travelers visiting the United States.

Why it matters

The Ig Nobels have been a beloved tradition in the scientific community for over 35 years, providing a lighthearted counterpoint to the serious Nobel Prizes. The decision to relocate the ceremony to Europe reflects growing global concerns about the safety and security of travel to the United States.

The details

Marc Abrahams, the master of ceremonies and editor of The Annals of Improbable Research magazine, stated that 'during the past year, it has become unsafe for our guests to visit the country.' As a result, the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony will be held in Zurich, Switzerland this year and continue to take place in a European city for the foreseeable future.

  • The Ig Nobel Prize ceremony has been held in Boston, Massachusetts for the past 35 years.
  • The 2026 ceremony will take place in Zurich, Switzerland.

The players

Marc Abrahams

The master of ceremonies and editor of The Annals of Improbable Research magazine, which organizes the Ig Nobel Prizes.

The Annals of Improbable Research

The magazine that organizes the annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“During the past year, it has become unsafe for our guests to visit the country.”

— Marc Abrahams, Master of Ceremonies and Editor, The Annals of Improbable Research (Associated Press)

What’s next

The Ig Nobel Prize ceremony will continue to be held in a European city, with Zurich, Switzerland hosting the 2026 event.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony from the United States to Europe reflects growing global concerns about the safety and security of international travel to the US, highlighting the potential impact on scientific and cultural exchanges.