The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics to UW Physics professor Francis Halzen.

He is the sole recipient of the award, which recognizes his pivotal role in conceiving and developing the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. The Nobel committee specifically cited his “decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”

Many MAS members will recognize Dr. Halzen as a longtime friend of the club. He first spoke at one of our meetings in November 2012 and returned as our keynote speaker for the 2020 banquet, sharing his passion for the IceCube project both times. Known as an engaging and enthusiastic communicator, Dr. Halzen had been scheduled to speak at our upcoming December 2026 meeting. While this engagement has been postponed in light of today’s announcement, we look forward to welcoming him back to our calendar soon.

Fun fact: today’s prize award to Halzen is the first time since 1992 that there has been a solo winner of the prize in physics.

Read more about Halzen and the award here.

(Posted by John Rummel, October, 2026)