Physicist Francis Halzen has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos originating from astrophysical sources.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Halzen as this year’s physics laureate on Tuesday, citing his “decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin”.
The Nobel physics prize comes with a total award of 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million, which is shared when more than one laureate is selected.
Halzen’s recognition centres on research into neutrinos, extremely elusive subatomic particles that can travel across vast distances through space and matter with little interaction.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, located deep beneath the Antarctic ice, was designed to detect these particles and study some of the most energetic phenomena in the universe.
The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Swedish inventor and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel, whose fortune was built largely through his inventions, including dynamite. The awards were first presented in 1901 and recognize achievements in science, literature and peace, while the economics prize was introduced later by Sweden’s central bank.
The physics prize has become one of the highest honours in the field, recognizing discoveries that have transformed understanding of the natural world and the universe.
Previous recipients include Albert Einstein, Marie and Pierre Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr, whose work laid important foundations for modern physics.
Last year’s physics Nobel went to US-based scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis for experiments demonstrating quantum mechanical effects in electrical circuits. Their research has been linked to developments in quantum computing and other emerging technologies.
Halzen’s award is the second Nobel Prize announced this year, following the medicine prize unveiled on Monday. The chemistry prize is scheduled to be announced on Wednesday.
The Nobel medals will be presented to the laureates by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The ceremony will be followed by the traditional Nobel banquet at Stockholm City Hall.
The Nobel Peace Prize is presented separately in Oslo, Norway, making it the only Nobel award ceremony held outside Sweden.
