Belgian physicist Francis Halzen wins Nobel Prize in Physics

Summarised from 7 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 6 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

Belgian physicist Francis Halzen has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on detecting high-energy neutrinos from space. The 82-year-old scientist is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and will receive 12 million Swedish kronor, approximately £900,000, awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

Halzen's research has centred on the IceCube neutrino observatory located at the South Pole. The facility detects what scientists call 'ghost-like particles' or 'ghost-like messages from space'. His work on capturing neutrinos dates back to the 1980s, according to reports. The Nobel Prize recognises his pioneering contributions to developing the observatory and his discovery of high-energy neutrinos from space.

The physics prize is one of the most prestigious scientific awards globally. Past laureates include Albert Einstein, Marie and Pierre Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr. The award acknowledges Halzen's fundamental contributions to observational astronomy and particle physics through the IceCube detector's groundbreaking capability to observe cosmic particles that were previously beyond reach.

How it is being reported

• Francis Halzen wins Nobel Prize in physics for work on high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical originNew York Post · 6 Oct, 11:52
• Francis Halzen wins Nobel Prize in physics for work on high-energy neutrinos from spaceNPR · 6 Oct, 11:16
• Nobel prize in physics goes to Francis Halzen for south pole work on neutrinosThe Guardian · 6 Oct, 11:11
• 'Ghost particles' from space telescope wins physics NobelBBC Science · 6 Oct, 11:10
• Francis Halzen wins 2026 Nobel Prize in physicsThe Japan Times · 6 Oct, 11:02
• Nobel Physics Prize goes to Francis Halzen for neutrino workDW News · 6 Oct, 10:54
• Nobel Prize in Physics goes to Francis Halzen for discovering neutrinos, described as 'ghost-like messages from space'DW News · 6 Oct, 10:54
• 🔴 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Francis Halzen for ice researchFrance 24 · 6 Oct, 10:52

In this story: Francis Halzen · University of Wisconsin–Madison · Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences · South Pole · Antarctica · Belgium · Stockholm

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