Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 awarded to Belgian scientist Francis Halzen for IceCube neutrino research

Direct fact

In October 2026, the Nobel Prize in Physics was announced for Belgian scientist Francis Halzen, 82, for his contribution to the IceCube neutrino observatory and the detection of high-energy neutrinos.

Key specifics

• Francis Halzen is 82 years old and works at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States.
• The award recognises his contribution to the IceCube neutrino observatory.
• IceCube was built in Antarctica by drilling to a depth of 2 km.
• The observatory helps detect neutrinos from distant cosmic events and study black holes.
• The 2026 Nobel Prize money is 1.2 crore Swedish kronor, about Rs 11.55 crore.

Exam lens

Awards and science question type: Nobel Prize, neutrino observatory, Antarctic research; key facts: Francis Halzen, IceCube, 2 km drilling, 1.2 crore Swedish kronor. TNPSC may ask the field, the scientist, and the research facility linked to the prize.