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The “truly gifted scientist” behind the idea of the subatomic particle the Higgs boson, Professor Peter Higgs, has died aged 94.
Professor Higgs predicted of the existence of a brand new particle – the so-called Higgs boson – in 1964.
The particle’s existence wouldn’t be confirmed for nearly half a century, with experiments on the Large Hadron Collider at Cern lastly confirming his idea in 2012.
Peter Higgs and his boson had been each elusive
Friend and colleague Professor Frank Close
Prof Higgs, emeritus professor at Edinburgh University, was collectively awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this work in 2013, together with Francois Englert.
Edinburgh University stated in a press release on Tuesday: “It has been confirmed that Professor Peter Higgs has passed away at the age of 94.
“He died on Monday April 8 peacefully at home following a short illness.
“His family has asked that the media and public respect their privacy at this time.”
The college’s principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, stated: “Peter Higgs was a remarkable individual – a truly gifted scientist whose vision and imagination have enriched our knowledge of the world that surrounds us.
“His pioneering work has motivated thousands of scientists, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more for generations to come.”
The director basic of Cern, Fabiola Gianotti, described Prof Higgs as an “immensely inspiring figure”.
She continued: “Besides his outstanding contributions to particle physics, Peter was a very special person, an immensely inspiring figure for physicists across the world, a man of rare modesty, a great teacher and someone who explained physics in a very simple and yet profound way.
“An important piece of Cern’s history and accomplishments is linked to him. I am very saddened, and I will miss him sorely.”
Professor Frank Close, a buddy and colleague who wrote a biography of the scientist, stated “Peter Higgs and his boson were both elusive.”
On the morning he was awarded the Nobel Prize, Prof Higgs headed to a seafood bar in Leith, a few miles from his Edinburgh residence, reasonably than rejoice with colleagues, Prof Close stated.
The Professor Emeritus of theoretical physics at Oxford University continued: “He disliked the limelight but was comfortable with friends and colleagues.
“His boson took 48 years to appear, and when the Nobel was announced, he had disappeared to his favourite sea food bar in Leith.”
Particle physicist Brian Cox, a professor within the School of Physics and Astronomy on the University of Manchester, stated Prof Higgs’ title “will be remembered as long as we do physics”.
“Very sorry to hear Peter Higgs has died,” the science programme presenter stated posting on X.
“I was fortunate enough to meet him several times, and beyond being a famous physicist – I think to his embarrassment at times – he was always charming and modest.
“And of course his name will be remembered as long as we do physics in the form of the Higgs Boson. RIP Peter.”
Paying tribute, Sir Ian Blatchford, director and chief govt of the Science Museum Group, stated Prof Higgs was a “brilliant scientist who helped us to understand the fundamental building blocks of our universe.
“We were honoured to celebrate his discovery of the Higgs boson through the Collider exhibition at the Science Museum and his work continues to inspire people today.”
The First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf stated: “My thoughts are with Professor Higgs’ family, friends, colleagues and generations of students.
“A visionary whose idea, and its discovery some 48 years later, is transforming our understanding of the universe.
“His life and work will inspire generations of scientists to come.”
Prof Higgs was born in Newcastle in 1929, the son of a BBC sound engineer.
After his household moved to Bristol, he proved an excellent pupil at Cotham Grammar School earlier than happening to learn theoretical physics at King’s College London.
A five-decade-long profession then started when he graduated with a First Class Honours in 1950.
After failing to safe a lectureship at King’s College, he set off for Scotland and the University of Edinburgh. He remained there till retiring from the submit in 2006 and assumed the title of emeritus professor.
His contribution to physics has lengthy been recognised throughout the scientific world – with greater than 10 honorary levels and dozens of educational prizes for the reason that Nineteen Eighties.
But he as soon as revealed he had turned down a knighthood in 1999 as he didn’t need any title.
He did settle for recognition from the Queen in 2014 when he was appointed a Companion of Honour throughout a ceremony on the Palace of Holyroodhouse – an honour that doesn’t carry a title.
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