University of Kentucky physicists are among an international team recognized with one of the world's most prestigious scientific honors - the 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
Often referred to as the "Oscars of Science," the award recognizes the global collaboration behind the muon g-2 experiment, a decades-long effort to better understand the fundamental properties of matter.
UK Department of Physics and Astronomy faculty members Renee Fatemi, Ph.D.; Tim Gorringe, Ph.D.; and Brad Plaster, Ph.D., along with five UK postdoctoral scholars and five graduate students, were part of the Fermilab international collaboration that earned the award.
The recognition places UK researchers among leading scientists worldwide working to answer some of the most fundamental questions in physics.
"The Breakthrough Prize was a huge surprise." said Gorringe, a professor of physics and one of UK's lead researchers on the project. "Large experiments succeed through teamwork, and the award recognizes three generations of g-2 experiments and the international collaborative efforts of graduate students, post-docs and scientists that pulled them off. It's both humbling and gratifying to be a co-recipient of the prize."
The Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics is awarded to scientists whose work advances understanding of the universe at its most basic level. The honor highlights major, collaborative scientific achievements and brings global visibility to the researchers involved.
The muon g-2 experiment focuses on the behavior of a subatomic particle known as the muon - a heavier cousin of the electron. By studying how muons behave in a magnetic field, researchers can test the limits of the Standard Model, the framework scientists use to explain how particles and forces interact.
Results from the experiment have helped scientists probe whether there may be new, undiscovered physics beyond what is currently understood.
"g-2 was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiment," said Fatemi, professor of physics who also co-led UK's effort in the project. "It pushed our community to develop and refine our tools and methods, all in pursuit of finding a crack in our understanding of the particles, forces and laws of nature. The g-2 story isn't over yet, but the Fermilab measurement of muon g-2 will likely stand as a legacy measurement for decades to come."
Researchers from UK played key roles in the project, contributing to both the experimental work and analysis that led to the project's landmark findings.
Their involvement reflects years of work in advancing precision measurement and particle physics research, as well as training the next generation of scientists.
In addition to faculty leadership, the project included UK postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, providing hands-on experience in a major international scientific effort.
"As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to live at the lab for several years and participate in many aspects of the experiment," said Laura Kelton, Ph.D., a former UK doctoral student and postdoctoral scholar who is now a lecturer at Trinity University. "My work focused mostly on analysis, but I also optimized beamlines, monitored data collection and even operated the magnetic-field trolley occasionally. All of these experiences prepared me well to continue my own research. I am thankful for my time at the University of Kentucky and particularly to my thesis committee members and their continued mentorship."
The Breakthrough Prize recognition highlights both the scale of the muon g-2 collaboration and the role UK researchers continue to play in advancing scientific knowledge. As physicists continue to analyze results and explore new questions raised by the experiment, UK faculty and students remain part of a global effort to better understand the fundamental nature of the universe.
Research reported in this publication was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 2110479, 2110293 and 1714014. The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
The Muon g-2 experiment is supported by the Department of Energy Office of Science under the offices of HEP, NP and ASCR (US); U.S. National Science Foundation (US); Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (Italy); Science and Technology Facilities Council (UK); Royal Society (UK); European Union's Horizon 2020; National Natural Science Foundation of China; MSIP, NRF and IBS-R017-D1 (Republic of Korea); German Research Foundation (DFG); and Leverhulme Trust (UK).
