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Why were some Nobel Prizes withheld during World Wars I and II?
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Nobel Prize
The obverse side of the Nobel Prize medals for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature.
During World Wars I and II, Nobel Prizes were withheld or not awarded because the global situation prevented the gathering of the information required to reach a sound decision regarding potential laureates.12
The Nobel Foundation maintains that prizes are only awarded when a worthy candidate is identified according to the criteria set forth in Alfred Nobel’s will. When international conflict disrupts communication and research, the committees are unable to properly evaluate achievements, leading them to reserve or withhold the awards for those years.12