Recipients of the Nobel Prize in chemistry, literature, peace, and economic sciences will be announced over the coming week. Winners are given a medal, a personal diploma, and a cash award of about $1.1 million. Established by Alfred Nobel in 1901, past laureates have included Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Some Nobel Prize winners use the award proceeds to fund research or support others in their field, while others put the money towards houses, boats and even croquet lawns.

The awards, most of which date to 1901, are intended to go to those who “ have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind ,” founder Alfred Nobel wrote in his will. Past recipients include the likes of Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.