Eleanor Maguire initially hesitated to accept an Ig Nobel Prize, but later changed her mind, finding it useful for her career. The satirical award aims to honor achievements that are both humorous and thought-provoking. Other winners, like Kees Moeliker and Andre Geim, have had similar experiences of initial skepticism followed by a positive impact on their work and public engagement. While not all recipients have reacted positively, the Ig Nobel has grown in popularity, with over 9,000 nominations received last year. The award continues to recognize quirky research, such as the discovery that some mammals can breathe through their anus.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03756-w