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Top 10 Breakthroughs of the Year in physics for 2025 revealed

A molecular superfluid, high-resolution microscope and a protein qubit are on our list

Fermilab opens new building dedicated to Tevatron pioneer Helen Edwards

The Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center is designed to act as a collaborative space for scientists and engineers

Light pollution from satellite mega-constellations threaten space-based observations

Study finds 96% of images from planned telescopes could be compromised

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News

Semiconductor laser pioneer Susumu Noda wins 2026 Rank Prize for Optoelectronics

Noda made breakthroughs in the development of the Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Laser

Scientists in China celebrate the completion of the underground JUNO neutrino observatory

The observatory has also released its first results on the so-called solar neutrino tension

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center hit by significant downsizing

The centre has closed a third of its buildings over the past few months

Research updates

Astronomers observe a coronal mass ejection from a distant star

Burst from M-dwarf star could be powerful enough to strip the atmosphere of any planets that orbit it, with implications for the search for extraterrestrial life

An artist’s impression of a large red star releasing a bright, explosive burst of light. Swirling red and orange patterns surround the star, suggesting intense activity. In the background, a smaller blue planet appears with a faint, wispy trail extending away from it, indicating its atmosphere being blown off. The scene is set against a dark space backdrop dotted with stars.

Sterile neutrinos: KATRIN and MicroBooNE come up empty handed

Fourth flavour not seen in beta-decay and oscillation

Photo of a worker inside KATRIN during the construction phase

Scientists explain why ‘seeding’ clouds with silver iodide is so efficient

New characterization of the material's surface reveals how an atom-level rearrangement aids the formation of ice crystals and promotes precipitation

A person in a laboratory suffused with dim red light

Slow spectroscopy sheds light on photodegradation

Technique reveals how organic materials accumulate charge

Photo of the slow spectroscopy experiment

Memristors could measure a single quantum of resistance

Devices could eliminate the strong magnetic fields currently required to define the standard unit of resistance

Conceptual image showing some solid-looking buildings perched on top of a computer chip with wires snaking off in all directions

Galactic gamma rays could point to dark matter

Spectrum from the Milky Way’s halo matches WIMP annihilation

Physics World Jobs

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Features

Ramy Shelbaya: the physicist and CEO capitalizing on quantum randomness

Ramy Shelbaya from Quantum Dice talks about using quantum mechanics to generate random numbers

White numbers falling down a dark screen

Cosmic dawn: the search for the primordial hydrogen signal

Sarah Wild talks to astronomers across the world who are on a hunt for a subtle hydrogen signal that could confirm or disprove our ideas on the universe’s evolution

A radio antenna shaped like a table in remote tundra

The forgotten pioneers of computational physics

Iulia Georgescu highlights the forgotten pioneers of computational physics and calls for a wider appreciation of research software engineers

View of the backs of two women's heads as they operate a large old computer

Quantum computing on the verge: correcting errors, developing algorithms and building up the user base

Philip Ball dives into the challenges in developing quantum computing, and building up investments and users for the tech

Abstract illustration of molecular structure and quantum computing ideas

‘Science needs all perspectives – male, female and everything in-between’: Brazilian astronomer Thaisa Storchi Bergmann

Meghie Rodrigues talks to Brazilian astronomer Thaisa Storchi Bergmann about curiosity, black holes and current challenges in research funding

Quantum computing on the verge: a look at the quantum marketplace of today

Philip Ball dives into the latest developments in the quantum-computing industry

An array of Google’s 53-qubit Sycamore chips

From the blog

Bridging borders in medical physics: guidance, challenges and opportunities

New book provides expert advice for those looking to participate in global health initiatives

Book cover: Global Medical Physics: A Guide for International Collaboration

So you want to install a wind turbine? Here’s what you need to know

Janina Moereke discovers the practicalities of installing wind turbines in a forest

Large group of people and bikes at the edge of a forest

‘Caustic’ light patterns inspire new glass artwork

The piece is based on the research of theoretical physicist Michael Berry

The light installation Naturally Focused

Quantum
Blog

International Quantum Year competition for science journalists begins

Physics World and Physics Magazine launch a quantum competition for delegates at the 2025 World Conference of Science Journalists

Futuristic quantum-particle wave illustration

Quantum
Blog

The future of quantum physics and technology debated at the Royal Institution

Matin Durrani looks back at a week-long series of events in the UK to mark Quantum Year

Photo of delegates at the Royal Institution

Quantum
Blog

Intrigued by quantum? Explore the 2025 Physics World Quantum Briefing 2.0

Discover our free-to-read 62-page digital magazine now

Analysis

Quantum
Analysis
SPONSORED

Oak Ridge Quantum Science Center prioritizes joined-up thinking, multidisciplinary impacts

QSC to accelerate convergence of quantum computing and exascale high-performance computing

Travis Humble at the Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Quantum
Analysis
SPONSORED

Why quantum metrology is the driving force for best practice in quantum standardization

International efforts on standards development will fast-track the adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies

3D render of quantum computer featuring qubit chip

Quantum
Analysis
SPONSORED

Delft Circuits, Bluefors: the engine-room driving joined-up quantum innovation

Technology partners will focus on scalable cryogenic I/O cabling assemblies for next-generation quantum computing systems

delft-circuits-cri/oflex cabling technology

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