In a groundbreaking achievement that highlights the Bay Area’s continued leadership in cutting-edge science, three physicists with deep connections to UC Berkeley have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. John Clarke from UC Berkeley, John Martinis from UC Santa Barbara, and Michel Devoret from Yale University were recognized for their revolutionary work demonstrating quantum mechanical effects in larger systems.

The Nobel Foundation celebrated their discovery of “macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit,” a breakthrough that fundamentally challenges our understanding of quantum mechanics. In pivotal experiments conducted in 1984 and 1985 at UC Berkeley, these scientists built an innovative electrical circuit using superconductors separated by a thin non-conductive layer, known as a Josephson junction.

Their experiments revealed something extraordinary: quantum mechanics isn’t just a microscopic phenomenon, but can govern larger systems composed of multiple particles acting in unison. By showing that a circuit could “escape” a zero-voltage state through quantum tunneling and absorb only specific energy amounts, they expanded the boundaries of scientific understanding.

According to Olle Eriksson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, this work celebrates how “century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises” and provides foundational insights for digital technology. The discoveries have profound implications, potentially revolutionizing fields like quantum cryptography, computing, and advanced sensor development.

The trio will share an 11 million Swedish kronor prize (over $1 million), recognizing their transformative contributions to our comprehension of quantum mechanics. Their work exemplifies the Bay Area’s ongoing role as a global hub of scientific innovation, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological potential.