Fifteen-Year-Old Laurent Simons Achieves Quantum Physics PhD at Unprecedented Speed

Laurent Simons, a prodigious talent from Belgium, has successfully defended his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dissertation in quantum physics at the University of Antwerp. This remarkable academic feat was completed near the close of 2025, marking one of the fastest transitions to a doctorate seen in contemporary science, especially considering that such extensive research typically demands over a decade of commitment. His defense this week capped an astonishingly rapid educational journey that began long before formal schooling.

A Meteoric Academic Ascent

Simons’ academic trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal. He completed his secondary education by the age of eight and enrolled in university before turning ten. His educational milestones demonstrate this blistering pace:

• The undergraduate degree in physics was finalized in a mere 18 months.
• His master’s program in physics at the University of Antwerp took less than two years to complete.
• He officially secured his master’s degree when he was just 12 years old.

The subject of his doctoral thesis involved intricate research on Bose polarons within superfluid and supersolid materials, specifically those related to Bose-Einstein condensates. Demonstrating a commitment to global scientific collaboration, the young researcher spent time at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany. His investigation delved into quantum entanglement and multi-qubit systems—some of the most complex frontiers in modern physics.

Simons harbors grand ambitions extending beyond physics; he aims to contribute to the creation of “superhumans,” focusing his future efforts on extending the human lifespan and conquering biological aging. With an IQ measured at 145, he firmly belongs to the intellectual elite. Nevertheless, these sweeping objectives have ignited considerable debate within the scientific community regarding the potential ethical ramifications involved.

His parents, Alexander and Lydia Simons, have been instrumental in guiding his path. They notably turned down lucrative offers from major technology conglomerates in both the United States and China, choosing instead to prioritize their son’s scientific development, particularly in the medical field.

In terms of historical context, Simons has eclipsed the previous record holder, Carl Witte, who earned his degree in 1814 at the age of 13. Simons is already setting his sights on a third academic qualification, now pursuing studies at the Helmholtz Center in Munich. His new focus blends medicine with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, highlighting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of his scientific curiosity.

Despite this intense academic schedule, his parents ensure a necessary equilibrium between his scholarly pursuits and typical teenage life. Laurent still makes time for his hobbies, including playing Fortnite and catching the latest Marvel movies with his friends. Born on December 26, 2009, in Ostend, Belgium, Laurent Simons’ unique journey serves as both an inspiration and a catalyst for important discussions about the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. In this era of rapid quantum breakthroughs, Simons stands out as a potent symbol of accelerated learning and extraordinary innate scientific capability.