Who Will Win the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around predictions for the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, focusing on potential winners and the merits of various contributions in the field, including the Higgs boson and quantum teleportation. Participants explore different theories and opinions regarding who might be recognized for their work.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Peter Higgs is a strong candidate for the prize, while others question if it is too early for his recognition.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the worthiness of quantum teleportation as a Nobel-winning topic, despite acknowledging its potential if it were to win.
  • Another participant argues that quantum cryptography and communication, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), may be more deserving of recognition due to its commercial applications, mentioning Anton Zeilinger and Nicolas Gisin as notable figures in this area.
  • A Reuters prediction mentions Bennett, Brassard, and Wootters as potential winners, which some participants find questionable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the likelihood of Higgs winning the prize and the value of quantum teleportation versus quantum cryptography, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions hinge on the timing of recognition for certain contributions, with age and commercial viability of technologies being factors in the debate.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in predictions for scientific awards, the significance of recent advancements in physics, and the dynamics of recognition in the scientific community may find this discussion relevant.

WiFO215
Messages
416
Reaction score
1
Who do you think will win the prize this year? What are your predictions? Do you think it's Higgs hands down? http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/19/idUS36510+19-Sep-2012+HUG20120919 predicts that it'll be Bennett, Brassard and Wootters. I'm not so sure.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I wonder whether quantum teleportation would be worthy? I would believe Reuter's prediction should the topic win, but I'm not sure about the topic itself.
 
NullSpace0 said:
I wonder whether quantum teleportation would be worthy? I would believe Reuter's prediction should the topic win, but I'm not sure about the topic itself.

I agree, I would probably rank quantum cryptography/communication higher than just teleportation, because QKD is one of the few quantum technologies that have really been turned into something commercial lately (and that is in the spirit of the original Nobel statement). Big names to consider here would be Anton Zeilinger and Nicolas Gisin perhaps.
 
Peter Higgs
 
Too early for Higgs, no?
 
schaefera said:
Too early for Higgs, no?

Well, probably, but then again, at 83, he isn't getting any younger..
 

Similar threads

Graduate Predictions for Physics Nobel Prize 2024 (and the results)
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
10K
Predictions for the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Future Nobel laureates in physics?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 (results: John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis)
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
News Who Will Win the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics?
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
14K
2018 French Nobel Prize clip (what do you think)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
News 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics announcement
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
6K
Predictions for the Nobel Prize in physics for next few years 2016-2017-2018?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
News How Is Thouless Pronounced in the Context of the Nobel Prize Announcement?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
7K
Interesting article about the Nobel Prize "Rule of Three"
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K