Trine Skei Grande, who serves as a deputy member of the Nobel Committee, believes that the organization's donor lists should be made public. She argues that in light of recent events, including controversies surrounding donations and external influences, the Nobel Institute should adopt a more transparent approach to rebuild trust among the public and stakeholders. Grande, who has a long political career and served as Norway's Minister of Culture and Gender Equality, emphasizes that such openness is essential for maintaining the integrity of the Nobel Prize.

Grande proposes the implementation of a procedure akin to that used by the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget), where all received contributions and affiliations are documented and accessible to everyone. This move, she argues, would promote accountability and prevent potential conflicts of interest within the committee. E24, the news outlet covering this story, has sought access to the Nobel Committee's register of gifts, services, and affiliations but has been denied this request due to the committee's exemption from public disclosure laws that govern public entities.

The push for transparency comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Nobel Committee following the exposure of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's connections with high-profile individuals. By advocating for open donor lists, Grande aims to not just enhance transparency but also to fortify the public's trust in one of the most prestigious awards in the world, which has faced criticism over the perceived lack of accountability in its selection processes and affiliations. This debate on transparency in donor relationships is increasingly relevant in today's climate of heightened awareness around ethical standards and conflicts of interest in institutions of power.