Happy new year: what’s happening in physics in 2026?

Predicting the future is hard, but here’s a flavour of what’s hot in physics right now

I used to set myself the challenge every December of predicting what might happen in physics over the following year. Gazing into my imaginary crystal ball, I tried to speculate on the potential discoveries, the likely trends, and the people who might make the news over the coming year. It soon dawned on me that making predictions in physics is a difficult, if not futile, task

Apart from space missions pencilled in for launch on set dates, or particle colliders or light sources due to open, so much in science is simply unknown. That uncertainty of science is, of course, also its beauty; if you knew what was out there, looking for it wouldn’t be quite as much fun. So if you’re wondering what’s in store for 2026, I don’t know – you’ll just have to read Physics World to find out.

Setting aside the insane upheaval going on in US science, this year’s Physics World Live series will give you a sense of what’s hot in physics right now.

The first online panel discussion will be on quantum metrology – a burgeoning field that seeks to ensure companies and academics can test, validate and commercialize new quantum tech. Yes the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology officially ends with a closing ceremony in Ghana in February, but the impact of quantum physics will continue to reverberate throughout 2026.

You can also look forward to an online event on nuclear fusion, which offers a path to limitless energy and a potential solution to the climate crisis. But it’s a complex challenge and the route to commercialization is uncertain, despite lots of private firms being active in the area as a counterweight to the huge ITER experiment that’s being built in southern France. Among them is Tokamak Energy, which this year won a Business Award from the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Another of our online panels will be on medical physics, bringing together the current and two past editors-in-chief of Physics in Medicine & Biology. Published by IOP Publishing on behalf of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, the journal turns 70 this year. The speakers will be reflecting on the vital role of medical-physics research to medicine and biology and examining how the field’s evolved since the journal was set up.

Medical physics will also be the focus of a new “impact project” in 2026 from the IOP, which will be starting another on artificial intelligence (AI) as well. The IOP will in addition be continuing its existing impact work on metamaterials, which were of course pioneered by – among others – the Imperial College theorist John Pendry. I wonder if a Nobel prize could be in store for him this year? That’s one prediction I’ll make that would be great if it came true.

Until then, on behalf of everyone at Physics World, I wish all readers – wherever you are – a happy and successful 2026. Your continued support is greatly valued.