The Nobel Prize wasn't just for the method of extracting graphene, it was for 'groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene'. This includes extracting, identifying and characterizing the material.
Interesting to note, by the way, that the real innovation was in being able to identify (and characterize) the material - the same extraction method was used by another team.
To me, this is the essence of science - observing a phenomena (in this case - a material) and understanding it.
Equating Experimental Physics 'engineering' is a little to 'Sheldonistic' for me.
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I think you're belittling their work.
The Nobel Prize wasn't just for the method of extracting graphene, it was for 'groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene'. This includes extracting, identifying and characterizing the material.
Interesting to note, by the way, that the real innovation was in being able to identify (and characterize) the material - the same extraction method was used by another team.
To me, this is the essence of science - observing a phenomena (in this case - a material) and understanding it.
Equating Experimental Physics 'engineering' is a little to 'Sheldonistic' for me.