In October 2003 the latest recipients of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics were announced. Since its inception in 1969, 53 economists have been awarded the Prize. A closer look at the biographical details of the Nobel Memorial Laureates—including their broad field of study, citizenship, university affiliation and place of doctoral training—provides some interesting insights into likely future winners. This paper offers a set of criteria which, to date, the overwhelming majority of recipients of the award have to some extent met.