The IOP and IOP Publishing congratulate Nobel Prize in Physics winner Professor Francis Halzen

06 Oct 2026 by Faye Holst Shutterstock - Jeff Warneck

The Institute of Physics (IOP) and IOP Publishing (IOPP) extend their warmest congratulations to Professor Francis Halzen on being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Professor Halzen has been recognised for his pioneering work in neutrino astronomy and for leading the development of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. IceCube uses a cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice embedded with thousands of light sensors to detect neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles”, which travel vast distances across the universe carrying information about some of its most energetic and mysterious phenomena.

Professor Halzen’s work has transformed scientists’ ability to study the cosmos, opening an entirely new window on the universe. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, the detection of cosmic neutrinos by IceCube was named Physics World’s Breakthrough of the Year in 2013.

Louis Barson FInstP, Director of Science at the Institute of Physics, said: “Professor Halzen’s pioneering work with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory has opened a remarkable new window on the universe, allowing us to use some of nature’s most elusive particles to investigate elements that conventional telescopes cannot see. This is a very well-deserved recognition of an outstanding contribution to physics and of the extraordinary things that can be achieved through scientific ambition, ingenuity and collaboration.”

Miriam Maus, Chief Publishing Officer at IOPP, said: “We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Francis Halzen on receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. Through his pioneering contributions to neutrino science, Professor Halzen has transformed our understanding of the universe, inspiring generations of researchers. We are honoured to have published many of his research papers over the years and to have shared the impact of his work through Physics World’s coverage. We join the international scientific community in celebrating this outstanding achievement.”

This year’s Nobel Prizes also highlight the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of modern science. One of the recipients of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Professor Peter Hegemann, is a pioneering biophysicist whose discoveries of light-gated ion channels helped lay the foundations for neuroscience and biomedical research. IOP Publishing is proud to have published some of his work, including a chapter in the book Organic Lasers and Organic Photonics.

Check out their work in our dedicated Nobel Prize Collection.

For more updates and background on this year’s winners, check our stories on Physics World.