Nobel Prize in Physics goes to discovery of astrophysical neutrinos

Belgian-American particle physicist Francis Halzen was awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced today that Halzen was awarded for "his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin."

The physics prize winner selected by the academy will also receive the prize money of 12 million Swedish krona (approximately $1.2 million).

In years where there is more than one winner, this amount is shared among the winners.

The Nobel Prizes were established in accordance with the will of Swedish inventor and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel, who acquired a significant part of his fortune with the invention of dynamite.

While the awards, first awarded in 1901, honored achievements in the fields of science, literature and peace, the economics award was later added to the list by the Swedish Central Bank.

The physics prize, which had a prominent place in Nobel's will, remains one of the most prestigious honors in the discipline.

For decades, the prize has honored discoveries that have revolutionized humanity's understanding of the universe.

Among the recipients of the award in previous years are scientists who laid the foundations of modern physics, such as Albert Einstein, Marie and Pierre Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr.

Last year's physics award was given to US-based researchers John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis, who experimentally proved the principles of quantum physics and paved the way for the development of next-generation computers and digital technologies.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN STOCKHOLM ON DECEMBER 10

The physics award was the second Nobel Prize announced this year, following the medicine award announced yesterday. The awards calendar will continue with the field of chemistry on Wednesday.

Nobel medals will be presented by King Carl Gustaf 16 of Sweden at a ceremony to be held in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.

Following the award distribution, a traditional celebration banquet will be held at Stockholm City Hall.

The Nobel Peace Prize, which is the only award not presented in Sweden, will be presented to its winners at a separate ceremony in Oslo.