Physics World Announces Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2025
Scientific advancements accelerated across multiple disciplines with discoveries challenging established theories and enabling new technologies. Physics World revealed its annual list of the top 10 breakthroughs for 2025, selected from research reported throughout the year. The shortlist highlights progress in materials science, particle physics, astronomy, and quantum technologies.
Chinese researchers produced the first atomically thin two-dimensional sheets of pure metal, fabricating layers of bismuth, tin, lead, indium, and gallium as thin as 6.3 angstroms. These materials exhibit novel electronic properties absent in bulk metals, potentially revolutionizing flexible electronics and catalysis. The team achieved isolation using advanced exfoliation techniques on graphite substrates.
CERN’s BASE collaboration performed coherent spin spectroscopy on a single antiproton, measuring its magnetic moment with unprecedented precision. This marks the most accurate comparison yet between matter and antimatter properties, constraining violations of CPT symmetry in the Standard Model. The experiment trapped antiprotons in Penning traps cooled to near absolute zero.
Analysis of samples from asteroid Bennu, returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, revealed extraordinary chemical diversity including prebiotic compounds. The asteroid’s composition supports theories that carbonaceous asteroids delivered organic molecules essential for life’s origins to early Earth. Bennu formed from primordial solar system material preserved for billions of years.
Other entries include high-resolution imaging of quantum phenomena in superconductors and development of molecular superfluids. The list recognizes work advancing fundamental understanding while demonstrating practical applications. Physics World editors evaluated impact based on novelty, evidence strength, and potential influence.
The selections reflect growing capabilities in nanoscale manipulation and extreme precision measurement. Teams from institutions worldwide contributed, with collaborations spanning continents. Annual lists since the tradition began highlight evolving frontiers in physics research.
Final ranking for Breakthrough of the Year will follow additional review. Previous winners addressed gravitational waves and quantum computing milestones. This year’s nominees underscore materials and particle physics dominance in recent progress.
The announcements coincide with increased investment in fundamental research amid technological competition. Discoveries in two-dimensional materials and antimatter testing exemplify returns from sustained experimental efforts. Physics World continues tracking developments shaping future innovations.
Researchers anticipate follow-up studies expanding on these findings. The shortlist encourages broader recognition of contributions beyond high-profile facilities. International teams drove multiple breakthroughs through shared infrastructure access.
This compilation demonstrates physics maintaining rapid advancement despite resource constraints. Selected works balance theoretical insight with experimental rigor. The 2025 list captures a pivotal moment in exploring matter’s fundamental behaviors.
