Nobel Prize-winning physicist Professor Peter Higgs dies aged 94

Sign up for a full digest of all the most effective opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches electronic mail

Sign as much as our free weekly Voices publication

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 concept in 2012.

(*94*) 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 mentioned in an announcement 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, mentioned: “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.”

Particle physicist Brian Cox, a professor within the School of Physics and Astronomy on the University of Manchester, mentioned (*94*) Higgs’ title “will be remembered as long as we do physics”.

“Very sorry to hear Peter Higgs has died,” the science programme presenter mentioned 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.”