The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics will be announced on Tuesday, October 6, by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. The prestigious award recognizes discoveries that benefit humanity. The winner receives a medal and a share of 12 million Swedish kronor for their important contribution to the physical world.
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics will be announced on Tuesday, October 6, marking the second award of this year's Nobel week and recognising a discovery or invention that has made an important contribution to humanity.
The announcement will be made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm at 3:15 pm IST at the earliest.
The Academy has confirmed that the decision will be announced immediately after it is made, while the ceremony will also be broadcast live online.
WATCH NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS ANNOUNCEMENT HERE:
WHY IS THE NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS SIGNIFICANT?
The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded for discoveries and inventions that have significantly advanced our understanding of nature and the physical world.
The prize has its roots in the will of Swedish scientist and inventor Alfred Nobel, who left much of his fortune to establish awards for work that has delivered the greatest benefit to humanity.
The first Physics Nobel was awarded in 1901. Since then, the prize has recognised discoveries that have transformed how humans understand everything from the smallest building blocks of matter to the workings of the universe.
The award can be shared by up to three people. Like the other Nobel Prizes, it comes with a medal, a personal diploma and a cash award.
The 2026 prize amount is 12 million Swedish kronor, to be shared if there is more than one laureate.
WHAT WILL THE 2026 NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS RECOGNISE?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has not revealed the 2026 laureate or laureates ahead of the announcement as Nobel nominations are kept secret, meaning names circulating before the decision are not official predictions or shortlists.
The discovery recognised this year will be explained by the Academy when the prize is announced.
The Nobel's scientific significance will depend on what the laureates discovered or invented, what problem it helped solve and how it changed the way scientists understand or use the physical world.
The Physics announcement will be followed by the Chemistry Nobel on October 7, Literature on October 8 and the Peace Nobel on October 9. The Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced on October 12.