The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to a single scientist, Francis Halzen. The Belgian physicist received the honour for his work on the IceCube detector, which observes ghostly particles called neutrinos.
IceCube detector and cosmic neutrinos
Halzen's winning idea was to use sensors buried in the ice to detect these extraterrestrial particles. The IceCube detector is designed to observe high-energy cosmic neutrinos, which are notoriously difficult to catch due to their weak interactions with matter.
Recognition of a pioneering approach
The award highlights Halzen's innovative approach to neutrino astronomy, turning a vast natural ice sheet into a scientific instrument. Science editor Ian Sample discussed the achievement with host Madeleine Finlay on the Science Weekly video podcast, explaining how Halzen came up with the concept.
