The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 to

Francis Halzen

“for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin”

Nobel Prize in Physics 2026

Elusive particles from the universe captured at the South Pole

Francis Halzen realised that ice at the South Pole could be used to track particles known as neutrinos. 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.

Press release
Popular information: Ice at the South Pole reveals cosmic particle accelerators
Scientific background

An illustration of a high-energy neutrino passing through ice.

© Johan Jarnestad/The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

The 2026 physics laureate

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

Francis Halzen has laid the foundation for an entirely new type of astronomy. His idea was to use glacial ice at the South Pole to capture the secretive particles called neutrinos. The result was the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which can track neutrinos that originate in the distant cosmos.

Francis Halzen

Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach

Nobel Prize in Physics 2026

Have you heard about the IceCube Neutrino Observatory?

“Beyond all the other risks… this was what really made the project possible – and that was pure luck.” 

In this telephone interview, Francis Halzen speaks about the hurdles that he and his team had to overcome in the process of creating the neutrino detector on the South Pole – and how one of the crucial discoveries was “totally unexpected”.

Announcement of the 2026 physics prize

Watch the prize announcement

Ellen Moons, Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Interview with the prize-awarder

“We have new knowledge about the universe” 

Watch the interview with Mark Pearce, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics on the 2026 physics prize.

Explore related prizes from the archives

Who did what?

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026

Light-seeking algae gave us a switch for nerve cells

To understand how the brain forms memories, feelings and behaviours has long been a dream for researchers. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries leading to optogenetics, which makes it possible to switch on, or off, the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain. This method is now being used in laboratories around the world to reveal the brain’s mysteries.

Press release
Popular information: A light-sensitive algal protein energised neuroscience
Scientific background: Optogenetics. Discovery of a neuronal switch

An illustration of a woman playing chess, with a light switch connected to neurons in her brain.

© The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine. Ill. Mattias Karlén

First reactions – 2026 medicine laureates

“I was really overwhelmed”

Listen to Peter Hegemann speak about the pleasure of sharing the award with friends.

Peter Hegemann

Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026

Did you know that light could be used to trigger individual nerve cells?

Nobel Prize laureates 2026

Next announcement

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026

Explore prizes and laureates

What does it take to get a Nobel Prize?

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The nomination process

  1. Nomination starts

    From September, thousands of people from all over the world are invited to nominate for the following year’s prizes. For the peace prize, an invitation letter is not required.

  2. Deadline for nominations

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  3. Evaluation process

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Nobel Prize award ceremony 2022
Nobel Prize award ceremony in Konserthuset Stockholm, 10 December 2022. © Nobel Prize Outreach. Photo: Nanaka Adachi

The man behind
the prize

In his last will, Alfred Nobel specified that the bulk of his fortune should be used for prizes to “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”
Learn more about Alfred Nobel

A home for the unique legacy of Alfred Nobel

The first design of the Nobel Center project is here – a public building in Stockholm, Sweden for science, literature and peace. It will be an international symbol of knowledge, focusing on the Nobel Prize laureates’ stories and groundbreaking achievements. Read more about the project.

View from the water along the quay.

View from the water along the quay. The Nobel Center consists of four interconnected volumes that relate to the buildings of Södermalm and the size and height of the buildings in Gamla stan, on the other side of the water. The choice to use a wooden frame and reclaimed bricks reduces the impact on the environment. Bricks have characterised the architecture of Stockholm for centuries. The red shade is found in Stockholm’s classic brick buildings, such as City Hall.

© Onirism/Nobel Prize Outreach

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Ada Yonath passes away

Ada Yonath died on 31 August 2026, aged 87. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009 “for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome.”

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Ada E. Yonath

Hideki Shirakawa dies at 90

Hideki Shirakawa passed away on 24 August 2026 in Yokohama, Japan, aged 90. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2000 “for the discovery and development of conductive polymers.”

Biography

Hideki Shirakawa

Rudolph Marcus dies at 102

Rudolph Marcus passed away on 16 July 2026, aged 102. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1992 “for his contributions to the theory of electron transfer reactions in chemical systems.”

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Rudolph A. Marcus

Susumu Tonegawa passes away

Susumu Tonegawa died on 11 July 2026, aged 86. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1987 “for his discovery of the genetic principle for generation of antibody diversity.”

Biography

Susumu Tonegawa