We nerds have no problem understanding, at least at a general level, the Nobel Prizes. We may not understand the details of the physics, chemistry, or biology involved or the exact details of what the winners did to win the prize but we understand the general story. Many people do not.
On the other hand, the Ig Nobel Prizes are generally understood by everybody. A common misconception is that the Ig Nobel prizes are for silly and unserious research but that’s not quite right. The truth is that the winners have produced legitimate research but research that does not rise to the level of world changing. They win the prize because the subject of their research sounds amusing.
There is, for example, research on what, exactly, a kiss is, the physics of blowing your nose, the optimum shape of urinals, the pleasing odors of newborns, and the energy efficiency of cockroach milk versus cow milk. None of these represents a significant leap forward in human understanding of our world but they do increase our understanding of our environment. One can reasonably ask, “What do you consider more important: a splash-free urinal or the latest quantum particle?”
In any event, take a look at this years Ig Nobel Prize winners and enjoy celebrating the less significant research results.