Physicist Professor Higgs dies aged 94
Professor Higgs, who spent some of his early years in the West Country, predicted of the existence of a new particle in 1964
Last updated 9th Apr 2024
The "truly gifted scientist" behind the concept of the subatomic particle the Higgs boson, Professor Peter Higgs, has died aged 94.
Professor Higgs predicted of the existence of a new particle - the so-called Higgs boson - in 1964.
The particle's existence would not be confirmed for almost half a century, with experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at Cern finally confirming his theory in 2012.
Prof Higgs, emeritus professor at Edinburgh University, was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this work in 2013, along with Francois Englert.
He spent his school days in Bristol - where he went to Cotham Grammar School - and was awarded Freedom of the City back in 2013.
He also had close links with the University of Bristol - being recognised by fellow academics around the time he was awarded the Freedom, with a special lunch held in his honour.
Those who attended the lunch included the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Faruk Choudhury, Bristol University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Eric Thomas and representatives from the School of Physics.
Back then, Professor Dave Newbold, Head of the Bristol Particle Physics Research Group, said: “The seminal work of Professor Peter Higgs set the agenda for particle physics research for decades, including the design of the giant LHC detectors at Bristol and elsewhere. The discovery of the Higgs boson was a huge step forward, and has opened up a wealth of questions for a new generation of researchers.
“Peter spent his school days in Bristol, and it's fantastic that the City of Bristol has chosen to recognise both his achievements, and the importance of this science, by awarding him the freedom of the city."
Professor Higgs lived in Bristol from 1941 to 1946, and his career in physics was partly inspired by the work of another famous alumnus, Paul Dirac, who won the Nobel Prize in 1933 for combining quantum mechanics with Einstein's relativity.
He then received an honorary degree from the University of Bristol in 1997, and last year gave a scientific lecture in the School of Physics, which was attended by over 600 staff and students.
Edinburgh University said in a statement on Tuesday: "It has been confirmed that Professor Peter Higgs has passed away at the age of 94.
"He died on Monday April 8 peacefully at home following a short illness.
"His family has asked that the media and public respect their privacy at this time."
The university's principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, said: "Peter Higgs was a remarkable individual - a truly gifted scientist whose vision and imagination have enriched our knowledge of the world that surrounds us.
"His pioneering work has motivated thousands of scientists, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more for generations to come."