Alexander Polyakov wins Fundamental Physics Prize

Alexander Polyakov

Alexander Polyakov (Photo by Martin Rocek)

Alexander Polyakov, the Joseph Henry Professor of Physics, received the $3 million Fundamental Physics Prize in 2013 for his work in field theory and string theory. His ideas have dominated work in these fields during the past decades, according to the Fundamental Physics Prize Foundation. The award recognizes Polyakov’s influential work in string theory, which looks to find common ground between quantum mechanics and general relativity. In addition, he was honored for his work in quantum field theory, a framework for modeling the dynamics of particles.

The prize is awarded to researchers who have made transformative advances in physics. Polyakov, who received the prize during a ceremony in Geneva, was selected for the honor by the recipients of the 2012 Fundamental Physics Prize.