[2026 Nobel Prize] Francis Halzen Opens New Path in Cosmic Observation with Neutrinos, Wins Physics Prize Solo (Comprehensive)

First Solo Nobel Physics Laureate in 34 Years
Observing Neutrinos Using Antarctic Glacial Ice Opens Door to Understanding Cosmic Phenomena
Nobel Committee: "Paving the Way for a New Branch of Astronomy"

This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics went to Belgian physicist Francis Halzen, 82, who made major contributions to neutrino observation.

The Nobel Committee for Physics at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on October 6 (local time): “We have decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics to Francis Halzen for his decisive contributions to the construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and for the discovery of high-energy neutrinos originating from outer space.”

Francis Halzen, a Belgian physicist selected as the laureate of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics. Nobel Committee

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences selected Professor Halzen as the sole laureate. This is the first time in 34 years that the Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics to a single recipient, since French physicist Georges Charpak in 1992, recognized for inventing the multiwire proportional chamber. Halzen currently serves as the principal investigator of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica, as well as a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

According to scientists, neutrinos are considered to be “ubiquitous yet elusive particles.” Because they have almost no mass and no electric charge, they do not interact with other particles and are often called “ghost particles.” As one of the most fundamental building blocks of the universe, they are seen as key to answering profound questions about the cosmos, but these very properties have made them extremely challenging to study.

In 1988, Professor Halzen was the first to propose capturing neutrinos in Antarctica by using sensors embedded in transparent glacial ice. Antarctica was chosen because its geology is stable and, aside from resident scientists conducting research, there are no permanent inhabitants, minimizing external interference. Halzen and his team completed the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, with sensors installed over a roughly 1 km² area of ice, in 2011. Using this facility, Halzen and his research team succeeded in detecting high-energy neutrinos.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences stated of Halzen, “His idea was to capture the enigmatic particles called neutrinos using the Antarctic glacier ice,” adding, “As a result, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory was built, making it possible to track neutrinos originating from deep space.”

Mark Pearce, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said, “Halzen has led an international team of researchers and engineers who provided us with fantastic observational equipment. His perseverance and scientific vision have paved the way for a new branch of astronomy.” The committee noted that the observation of ultra-high-energy neutrinos coming from the universe has opened up new possibilities for uncovering previously unknown cosmic phenomena.

Speaking via phone at the press conference shortly after the announcement, Halzen said, “I was very surprised and certainly did not expect it at all,” adding, “Although there had been predictions that I would receive the Nobel Prize, it still feels surreal to actually hear the news.”

This year’s total Nobel Prize in Physics award money is 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately KRW 1.61 billion). The 2026 Nobel Prize announcements will continue: the Chemistry Prize on October 7, the Literature Prize on October 8, the Peace Prize on October 9, and the Economics Prize on October 12.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.