Scientists who discovered a third form of magnetism win major physics prize
Physicists have identified a third form of magnetism called 'altermagnetism,' which challenges the long-held binary classification of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. The discovery has earned the researchers the 2026 Europhysics Prize.
Why it matters
This fundamental discovery opens new avenues for developing advanced electronics, spintronics, and next-generation computing technologies.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown form of magnetism, overturning an understanding of magnetic behavior that had stood for more than a century. The discovery, known as altermagnetism, has revealed a third fundamental category of collinear magnetism and opened new possibilities for quantum materials, advanced electronics, and future computing technologies.
Three physicists responsible for the breakthrough have been named recipients of the 2026 Europhysics Prize, one of Europe's most prestigious honors in condensed matter physics. The European Physical Society (EPS) Condensed Matter Division selected Professor Jairo Sinova of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), Dr. Libor mejkal, and Professor Tomas Jungwirth for their work establishing altermagnetism as a distinct form of magnetic order alongside ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
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