This paper introduces the third and final part of the ‘millennium celebrations of historical highlights of photosynthesis research.’ Part 1 (308 pages) was published in October 2002 as Vol. 73 of the journal Photosynthesis Research, and Part 2 (458 pages) was published in July 2003 as Vol. 76. Here, we recognize particularly the work of three major contributors to our understanding of photosynthesis: Roger Stanier (1916–1982); Germaine Cohen-Bazire (Stanier) (1920–2001); and William Arnold (1904–2001). We also introduce the historical papers contained in this volume; consider the legacy of Alfred Nobel (1833–1896); and identify Nobel prizes of special relevance to understanding the capture, conversion, and storage of light energy in both anoxygenic and oxygenic photosynthesis.