Jainendra Jain named 2025 Wolf Prize laureate in physics
Penn State physicist pioneered research that predicted a new class of exotic particles, 'composite fermions,' which could be integral to high performance electronics and quantum computing
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—Jainendra K. Jain, Evan Pugh University Professor and Erwin W. Müller Professor of Physics and holder of the Eberly Family Chair in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, has been awarded, along with two others, the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics for "groundbreaking contributions to quantum matter and its topological potential" that revolutionized "our understanding of two-dimensional electron systems in strong magnetic fields."
The Wolf Prize acknowledges scientists and artists worldwide for their outstanding achievements in advancing science and the arts for the betterment of humanity.
"The Wolf Prize is one of the highest honors in the world of science, and this well-deserved recognition of Dr. Jain's extraordinary contributions is a proud moment for Penn State," said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. "For over 30 years, his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics has deepened our understanding of quantum matter, paving the way for real-world innovations in high-performance electronics and quantum computing. His research exemplifies the power of university-driven discovery, and we celebrate this prestigious recognition of his remarkable achievements."
In his early theory research, Jain introduced a class of exotic particles called composite fermions, explaining a new state of matter consisting of the intricate sequence of fractional quantum Hall states, now known as Jain states. Jain described the composite fermion as an electron trapped inside a quantum vortex in this strange liquid, sometimes thought of as an electron bound to a quantized magnetic field.
"I am immensely grateful to the Wolf Foundation for welcoming me into this truly esteemed community of scientists for my introduction of composite fermions. The honor truly belongs to my students, collaborators, and numerous other researchers whose brilliant work transformed composite fermions from an idea to reality," Jain said. "Looking back, it is hard to believe how incredibly fortunate I have been. Growing up in a poor village in India, traumatized by an accident that left me on crutches with a lifelong disability, I did not think I would ever walk again or attend college, let alone pursue my dream of becoming a physicist. I don't have words to express my profound gratitude to my family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers who have helped and supported me throughout my journey to make this possible.
"When the idea of composite fermions first struck me during the Christmas break of 1988, I did not know that these particles would occupy my mind every day for the next 37 years. My hope is that this prize will motivate a few more to experience the beauty of nature through composite fermions."
Under certain conditions, composite fermions form a superconductor—or a material that can conduct electricity without losing any energy at low temperatures—that theorists predicted would contain an even stranger particle, called a Majorana, which is its own antiparticle (a particle with the same mass but different charge).
"These discoveries advance high performance electronics, enabling ultra-low resistance materials and topological quantum computing," the Wolf Foundation shared in its award presentation on March 10. "They reveal complex quantum behaviors, guiding novel materials with revolutionary properties."
Just last month, Microsoft announced a potential breakthrough in quantum computing based, in part, on the early work of Jain and others in this space.
"I am on the theoretical understanding side of this spectrum, but I work closely with scientists who test whether the theories correspond to reality," Jain said in a recent Penn State News article. "The news from Microsoft is an example of how basic research at universities could lead to real-world applications that drive innovation—like quantum computers."
The Wolf Prize is awarded annually and honors exceptional individuals who transcend barriers of religion, gender, race, geography, and political stance, according to the organization's website. In the scientific domain, the awards are conferred in medicine, agriculture, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. In the arts, the awards recognize excellence in painting and sculpture, music, and architecture.
"Jainendra's pioneering work on the introduction of composite fermions has fundamentally transformed our understanding of condensed matter physics, and this moment is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and excellence that define Jainendra's work. We are incredibly proud of him," said Mary Beth Williams, acting dean of the Penn State Eberly College of Science. "We are thrilled to see this international acknowledgement and celebration of the impact of his foundational research. It serves as a powerful reminder of the groundbreaking discoveries that we are creating in our college and is truly inspiring for all of us in the college—faculty, staff, students, and postdocs—as we continue to educate the next generation of researchers."
Celebrating its 46th year, the Wolf Prize has established a legacy of prestigious international recognition. To date, 382 scientists and artists have been honored. International judging committees, reappointed annually and comprising world-renowned experts in their fields, select the laureates. The prize in each field consists of a certificate and a monetary award of $100,000.
"Jainendra Jain's composite fermions theory not only reshaped our understanding of quantum mechanics but also stands as one of the most significant contributions to condensed matter physics in the past four decades. His contributions have set a new paradigm in the field," said Mauricio Terrones, George A. and Margaret M. Downsbrough Head of the Department of Physics, Evan Pugh University Professor, and professor of chemistry and of materials science and engineering at Penn State. "With groundbreaking theoretical advancements, an unwavering dedication to teaching, and a commitment to scientific leadership, Jainendra has left an indelible mark on physics. This is an incredible honor, not only for Jainendra but also for Penn State and our entire physics department."
Jain was named the 2025 winner alongside fellow physicists Mordehai "Moty" Heiblum, who "pioneered experimental verification of these exotic particles," and James Eisenstein, who "co-discovered the 5/2 fractional quantum Hall state, unveiling new electron phases, including Bose-Einstein condensation in bilayer systems," according to the foundation.
In his research, Jain specializes in theoretical condensed matter physics. He uses theoretical approaches to understand the unexpected emergent behaviors of strongly interacting quantum many-body systems, especially in low dimensions. His interests include anyons, Majorana particles, graphene physics, and various topological phenomena.
Jain has previously been elected a foreign fellow of the Indian National Science Academy in 2024, appointed as the holder of the Eberly Family Chair in Physics in 2023, elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2021, named an Evan Pugh University Professor in 2012, honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 2010, elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2008, and received the Oliver E. Buckley Prize from the American Physical Society in 2002.
Prior to joining the Penn State physics faculty in 1998, Jain was a professor of physics at Stony Brook University. He also was a postdoctoral scholar at Yale University and the University of Maryland. Jain earned his doctoral degree from Stony Brook University in 1985 after earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in physics in India.
About the Wolf Prize
The Wolf Foundation is a prestigious organization that celebrates and promotes exceptional achievements in the sciences and the arts worldwide.
Founded in 1975 with an endowment from the Wolf family, the foundation's major donors were Dr. Ricardo Subirana Y Lobo Wolf and his wife, Francisca. Since its inception, the Wolf Foundation has recognized and celebrated outstanding contributions to humanity through the Wolf Prize.
Provided by Penn State Eberly College of Science