Francis Halzen has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pivotal role in the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.

Updated on: Oct 6, 2026, 15:30:43 IST

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The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”

Halzen realised that ice at the South Pole could be used to track particles known as neutrinos, according to the Nobel Prize website, which added that his vision and scientific leadership have been fundamental for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory – a cubic kilometre of ice that is equipped with light sensors.

Using IceCube, researchers can capture neutrinos from extremely energy-rich processes in the distant universe.

“Francis Halzen has led an international team of researchers and engineers who have provided us with a fantastic instrument. His tenacity and scientific vision has paved the way for a new kind of astronomy,” nobelprize.org quoted as saying Mark Pearce, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

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