Nobel Prize in Physics for quantum tunneling
On October 7, 2025 the Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics to John Clarke (UC Berkeley), Michel H. Devoret (Yale and UC Santa Barbara), and John M. Martinis (UC Santa Barbara) for discoveries in quantum mechanical tunneling. The committee said the work lays foundations for next‑generation quantum technologies—quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors—and laureates commented on the connections to quantum computing and everyday electronics.
📌 Key Facts
- Laureates: John Clarke (UC Berkeley), Michel H. Devoret (Yale/UC Santa Barbara), John M. Martinis (UC Santa Barbara)
- Announcement date: October 7, 2025; prize carries 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million)
- Committee statement: Nobel Committee highlighted applications to quantum cryptography, quantum computing and quantum sensors; quoted Olle Eriksson praising century‑old quantum mechanics' continuing surprises
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"An opinion piece arguing that awarding the 2025 Physics Nobel to researchers associated with quantum‑computing engineering (the 'quantum‑supremacy' crowd) reflects a cultural shift privileging tech‑industry achievements and hype, and raises questions about commercialization, industry ties, and how prestige is being allocated in contemporary science."