Predictions for Physics Nobel Prize 2024 (and the results)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around predictions for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, exploring various candidates and their contributions. Participants share their thoughts on potential laureates from fields such as quantum information, optics, and machine learning, while also reflecting on the implications of recent awards.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express hope for quantum information theorists like Zoller, Cirac, Shor, and Deutsch to receive the prize, while others suggest it may be too early for such recognition.
  • There are mentions of Christoph Gerber for the atomic force microscope and Federico Capasso for optics, though some doubt the likelihood of optics winning again after the previous year.
  • Participants propose various candidates based on Clarivate Citations, including Peter Shor and David Deutsch for quantum algorithms, and Pablo Jarrillo Herrero for magic angle twisted graphene.
  • Sabine Hossenfelder's predictions include figures like Andrei Linde and Milgrom for modified Newtonian dynamics, though some express strong reservations about these suggestions.
  • Discussion includes a humorous exchange about Lene Hau's work on slow light, with some confusion about historical contributions in the field.
  • Concerns are raised about the apparent neglect of particle physics in the predictions, questioning whether it signifies a decline in its recognition.
  • After the announcement of the 2024 prize, some participants express disappointment that it was awarded for machine learning, debating its relevance to physics compared to other fields.
  • Others argue that machine learning is increasingly integral to physics research, serving as an enabling technology across various applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the predictions for the Nobel Prize, with multiple competing views on potential candidates and the appropriateness of awarding the prize for machine learning contributions.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect uncertainty about the criteria for awarding the Nobel Prize, particularly regarding interdisciplinary contributions that span multiple fields, including physics, chemistry, and medicine.

Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 to
“for computational protein design”


“for protein structure prediction”

Yes the last two are about the AlphaFold achievements.
 
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  • #33
pines-demon said:
Edit: My safe predictions for chemistry is AI for proteins.
I least I got a prediction right, but it was not very difficult after yesterday's announcement.
 
  • #34
Hinton's press conference interview about the award is pretty downbeat.



Quite a bit of discussion about AI risk and safety.
 
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  • #35
EDMM2 said:
Hinton's press conference interview about the award is pretty downbeat.
Here is the equivalent press conference for Hopfield:



He also raises awareness on AI.
Additionally, he tackles the question of where is the physics in artificial networks, I consider that he provides a compelling response.
 
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  • #36
Thanks for that.

I think they both recognized that their selection would be somewhat controversial.
 
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  • #37
More words by Hopfield from today. Inspiring:
 
  • #38
As the moderators did not allowed me to close this thread, I will share here the Nobel lectures by Hopfield and Hinton:
 

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