Established in 1985 by the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel – the inventor of dynamite – the prizes are awarded in five categories: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace. Each award-winner receives a diploma, a gold medal and a considerable sum of money. Kipling won the Literature prize in 1907.
Since 1969, there has also been an award for Economics. Although this is not an official Nobel Prize, its announcements and presentations are made along with the other prizes. Carlson was a member of the committee which judged the Economics award from 1972-1979.