Who will win the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics? Here’s what to expect
Stockholm: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics will be announced on Tuesday, October 6, kicking off the second major announcement of this year’s Nobel week. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is expected to reveal the laureate or laureates in Stockholm at 3:15 pm IST at the earliest.
The announcement will be made immediately after the Academy reaches its decision and will also be streamed live online.
What will the 2026 Physics Nobel recognise?
That remains the biggest question ahead of the announcement.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has not disclosed the names of this year’s laureates. Nobel nominations are kept secret, so names circulating ahead of the announcement should not be treated as official predictions or shortlisted candidates.
The Academy will explain the scientific work behind the award when the prize is announced. The discovery or invention could involve a major advance in our understanding of the physical world or an innovation with a wider impact on science and technology.
The Physics Nobel has historically recognised breakthroughs spanning the smallest scales of matter to the largest questions about the universe. The first Physics Nobel was awarded in 1901.
How much is the Nobel Prize worth?
The 2026 Nobel Prize comes with 12 million Swedish kronor. If the award is shared, the prize money will be divided among the laureates.
Each winner also receives a medal and a personal diploma.
The prize traces its origins to the will of Swedish scientist and inventor Alfred Nobel, who left much of his fortune to establish awards for work that delivers the greatest benefit to humanity.
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What comes next in Nobel week?
The Physics announcement is the second major Nobel announcement of the week.
October 6: Physics
October 7: Chemistry
October 8: Literature
October 9: Peace
October 12: Economic Sciences
The focus will shift to chemistry on Wednesday, with the remaining prizes following through the week.
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