Belgium’s little Einstein: This 15-year-old has a PhD in quantum physics

Laurent Simons from Belgium holds a PhD in quantum physics at the age of 15. (Image: Instagram/@laurent_simons)

Most teenagers are finishing school exams or choosing university subjects. Laurent Simons, however, has completed a PhD in quantum physics at just 15 years old. His achievement has stunned the scientific community and captured global attention. It raises a compelling question: how far can human potential really go?

Born in Belgium, Laurent Simons is 15 years old, who achieved his PhD in quantum physics at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. This achievement makes him one of the youngest people in the world to hold such a degree.

In November 2025, Simon successfully defended his thesis on Bose polarons in superfluids and supersolids  which is a complex area of quantum physics. His research explores how particles behave in ultracold environments where matter acts like both solid and liquid. Simons completed a bachelor’s degree by age 12 in just 18 months. He then pursued doctoral research at the University of Antwerp.

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Simons’ work contributes to advanced understanding of quantum behaviour, which is critical for future technologies. Quantum physics underpins next-generation computing, sensing, and communications systems. His findings on Bose polarons could help refine models of quantum matter in cutting-edge experiments worldwide.

Experts are impressed and intrigued by Simons’ work. While scepticism sometimes surrounds “youngest ever” claims due to educational differences worldwide, Simon's actual research and defence are verified.

Senior physicists describe his accomplishment as unusual but scientifically valid. They note that completing a rigorous quantum physics PhD at 15 requires deep analytical ability, originality and maturity beyond his years.

Looking ahead, Simons plans to apply physics, AI and biology to ambitious goals like improving human health and longevity. “After this, I’ll start working towards my goal: creating ‘super-humans’,” said Simons. His long-term goal is to help humans live longer and healthier lives. He wants to understand diseases at a cellular and molecular level.