Francis Halzen, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison was today awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.
By detecting elusive particles, called neutrinos, scientists can investigate distant cosmic events and gain insights into some of the most powerful phenomena in space.
Professor Halzen contributed to EU-supported research through the ASTRONU – Data Analysis in AMANDA and Monte Carlo Simulation in IceCube project (2005 – 2008), which received €255,188 in EU funding through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said:
“Congratulations to Francis Halzen. His pioneering work has opened a new window onto the Universe. The EU has helped advance this field through investment in research, scientific talent and international cooperation, from projects connected to IceCube to Europe’s deep-sea neutrino telescopes.”
EU investment in neutrino astronomy
The EU has supported research connected to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, helping scientists develop tools to detect and study cosmic neutrinos. Through the Marie Curie Actions, the HE NEUTRINO ICECUBE project received more than €215,000 to advance searches for high-energy neutrinos, including support for work on IceCube’s construction and early maintenance.
In addition, the EU invests in this area through research funded by the European Research Council (ERC), such as the NEUTRINOSHOT project on development of a new observatory for cosmic neutrinos in the Pacific Ocean (€3.2 million) and the NuRadioOpt project that aims to enhance detectors for ultra-high-energy neutrinos (€1.7 million). The ERC also provided €1.41 million to RadNu to develop radio and radar techniques for detecting cosmic neutrinos at even higher energies.
In Europe, EU funding has supported the development of KM3NeT, a network of deep-sea neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean. This includes almost €1.5 million through KM3NET-INFRADEV2 to strengthen the infrastructure’s governance and establish open access for researchers.
The EU’s support for international cooperation in this field continues through KSETA Europe, a MSCA COFUND project in elementary particle and astroparticle physics, running from 2026 to 2031. The University of Wisconsin–Madison, with Professor Halzen as its lead scientist, will participate as an associated partner.
Background
The EU has a longstanding record of supporting scientific excellence. To date, 16 ERC-funded researchers have subsequently won a Nobel Prize, while 24 Nobel laureates have participated in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions as fellows, supervisors or project coordinators. Some laureates have benefited from both programmes.
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) support researchers’ training, skills and career development through international mobility and cooperation across disciplines and sectors. Since their creation in 1996, more than 150,000 researchers have participated in the programme.
More information
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
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