Three U.S. scientists affiliated with the University of California have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking work in quantum physics on a chip.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Three U.S. scientists with strong connections to the University of California have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. Their groundbreaking experiments demonstrated the principles of quantum physics on a chip, a significant advancement that could pave the way for the next generation of quantum technologies, including computers, sensors, and cryptography. The laureates will share a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized their contributions “for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit.” Their innovative work revealed that quantum effects, which are usually only observable at microscopic scales, can manifest in systems large enough to be held in the hand.
Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, expressed enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, “It is wonderful to celebrate the way century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology.”
UC President James Milliken praised the achievement as a significant milestone for the university system. He noted that the laureates—John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis—join a “long line” of UC faculty Nobel laureates, which includes 23 previous winners in the field of physics. “These awards are not only great honors,” he remarked, “they are tangible evidence of the work happening across the University of California every day to expand knowledge, test the boundaries of science, and conduct research that improves our lives.”
The connections of the laureates to the University of California are noteworthy. John Clarke, 83, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and is an emeritus professor at UC Berkeley. Michel H. Devoret, 72, received his doctorate from Paris-Sud University and currently teaches at both Yale University and UC Santa Barbara. John M. Martinis, 67, completed his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley and is also an emeritus professor at UC Santa Barbara.
This recognition not only highlights the individual achievements of the scientists but also underscores the University of California’s ongoing contributions to the field of physics and its commitment to advancing scientific research.
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