Former Berkeley Lab Maestro John Clarke Honored with 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Pioneering Quantum Sensing

Berkeley, CA – The scientific world is abuzz with excitement as Dr. John Clarke, a distinguished former scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized Dr. Clarke for his groundbreaking work in the development and application of Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs), which have revolutionized the field of ultra-sensitive measurement.

Dr. Clarke’s visionary contributions transformed what were once theoretical curiosities into indispensable tools for scientific research and practical applications.

His pioneering efforts in the 1970s and onward established the fundamental principles and engineering techniques that enabled SQUIDs to achieve their unparalleled sensitivity – capable of detecting magnetic fields billions of times weaker than the Earth’s own magnetic field. This unprecedented ability opened new frontiers in understanding the quantum world and beyond.

The impact of Clarke’s work resonates across numerous disciplines.

In medicine, his SQUID technology underpins Magnetoencephalography (MEG), allowing neuroscientists to map the intricate electrical activity of the human brain with exquisite precision, providing insights into neurological disorders, cognitive processes, and brain function. Geologists utilize SQUIDs for highly sensitive measurements of geological formations, aiding in resource exploration and earthquake prediction.

Furthermore, fundamental physics research relies on these devices for experiments probing the limits of quantum mechanics, searching for dark matter, and developing next-generation quantum computing architectures.

Reflecting on his prolific career at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley, colleagues and former students recall Clarke’s relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and his ingenious ability to translate complex quantum phenomena into practical, robust technologies.

His laboratory became a crucible of innovation, fostering generations of physicists and engineers who carried his legacy forward. Dr. Clarke's passion for both fundamental discovery and technological application defined his approach, demonstrating how basic science can lead to transformative advancements.

“John Clarke’s receipt of the Nobel Prize is a testament to his extraordinary intellect, his unwavering dedication, and his profound impact on science,” said a representative from Berkeley Lab.

“His work on SQUIDs didn't just push the boundaries of what was measurable; it fundamentally changed how we interact with and understand the subtlest aspects of our universe. He truly embodies the spirit of innovation that Berkeley Lab strives for.”

The Nobel Committee’s citation highlighted not only Clarke's ingenious design of SQUID devices but also his extensive work in understanding their noise properties and developing techniques to suppress them, making these quantum sensors practical for real-world scenarios.

His research laid the bedrock for an entire field, enabling advancements that continue to unfold today.

Dr. Clarke will receive his Nobel Prize at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, later this year, joining a distinguished lineage of Berkeley Lab-affiliated Nobel laureates. His remarkable achievements stand as an enduring inspiration for scientists worldwide, demonstrating the profound power of curiosity, perseverance, and groundbreaking experimental physics.