Edinburgh, UK: Peter Higgs, the esteemed British physicist whose groundbreaking theoretical work laid the foundation for understanding the origin of mass in the universe, has passed away at the age of 94. The University of Edinburgh, where Higgs served as professor emeritus, confirmed his demise on April 8 at his residence.
Described as a “truly gifted scientist” by Peter Mathieson, the principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Higgs leaves behind a legacy of profound contributions to the field of physics. His visionary insights have significantly enriched humanity’s understanding of the cosmos and its fundamental principles.
Higgs was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013, jointly with Belgian physicist Francois Englert, for their pioneering proposal of the existence of the Higgs boson particle. This groundbreaking theory postulated the presence of an invisible field permeating space, which imparts mass to matter. The discovery of the elusive Higgs boson particle was a watershed moment in modern physics, validating Higgs and Englert’s theoretical framework.
The announcement of the discovery came in 2012, following extensive research conducted at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Utilizing the groundbreaking technology of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), located underground near Geneva, scientists were able to confirm the existence of the Higgs boson. The LHC, renowned for its capability to accelerate protons to nearly the speed of light and observe their collisions, provided crucial data confirming the existence of this fundamental particle.
Peter Higgs’s profound intellect and theoretical insights have left an indelible mark on the scientific community, revolutionizing our comprehension of the universe’s fundamental forces. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of physicists and scientists, underscoring the enduring impact of his remarkable legacy.