Nobel Prize for neutrino research in ice
Humboldt-Universität has been involved in the research for more than 25 years
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Belgian-American researcher Francis Halzen with the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his “pioneering contributions to the IceCube neutrino observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin”.
“The IceCube experiment is a truly fascinating project, the results of which are revolutionising our understanding of certain cosmic objects, and the recognition afforded by the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics to Prof. Halzen is more than deserved. HU is delighted to have been able to contribute to this international project for so many years,” said Prof. Dr Ulf Leser, Vice-President for Research at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Preparations for the next-generation neutrino detector
The research group for experimental astroparticle physics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) has played a crucial role in the IceCube experiment for more than 25 years. “Our joint journey began with the first detections of neutrinos at the South Pole as part of the predecessor experiment, AMANDA. The subsequent construction of the much larger IceCube Observatory, which led to a whole series of exciting discoveries in the field of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, was a unique experience! Congratulations, Francis, and thank you very much for making all this possible,” says Prof. Dr Marek Kowalski, head of the neutrino group at DESY Zeuthen and holder of the Chair of Astroparticle Physics in the Department of Physics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Professor Kowalski joined HU in 2006 with an Emmy Noether research group funded by the DFG to work on the IceCube experiment. Since 2014, he has held a joint professorship at Humboldt-Universität and the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY).
Together with national and international partners, the IceCube collaboration is currently preparing the next-generation neutrino detector, IceCube-Gen2. This detector, which would open up new research opportunities for studying fascinating objects such as black holes or exploding stars, has been included on the current German shortlist for funding major research infrastructures. The aim is to realise the project in the coming years.
Further information:
DESY profile page of Marek Kowalski
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Marek Kowalski
Professor of Astroparticle Physics in the Department of Physics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Head of the neutrino group at DESY Zeuthen
+49 30 2093-7635
marek.kowalski(at)desy.de
www.physik.hu-berlin.de/de/eephys
HU press release, 6 October 2026