Belgian physicist François Englert, Nobel co-laureate with Higgs, dies at 93

Belgian physicist François Englert, a Nobel laureate recognized for his foundational work on the Higgs boson, has passed away at the age of 93. The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) announced his death on June 18, 2026, noting his passing in Uccle.

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It is with deep sadness that ULB has learned of the death of François Englert, which occurred on June 18, 2026 in Uccle.

Englert, alongside British physicist Peter Higgs, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013. Their theoretical contributions, made in 1964, were crucial to the 2012 discovery of the Higgs boson at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). This particle is considered fundamental to understanding how matter acquires mass, as described by the Standard Model.

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A major figure in contemporary theoretical physics, he leaves behind an exceptional scientific legacy and an indelible mark on the history of our University.

Born in Brussels in 1932, Englert dedicated over seven decades to theoretical physics. He earned a doctorate after studying civil engineering and later collaborated with American professor Robert Brout at Cornell University. Brout joined Englert at ULB, and together they developed the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, which laid the groundwork for the Higgs boson's discovery.

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to seek understanding, rational intelligibility of the world.

During World War II, Englert and his family were forced into hiding due to their Jewish faith under Nazi occupation. He was knighted by the King of the Belgians in 2013, receiving the title of baron. Englert often spoke about his pursuit of rational understanding in the world, stating, "Irrational ideas have done enough harm to Europe. Science is essential for building a civilization worthy of the name."

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Irrational ideas have done enough harm to Europe. Science is essential for building a civilization worthy of the name.