Groundbreaking Achievements in Physics

In an exciting announcement, University of Alberta physicists Doug Gingrich and James Pinfold have been honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. This prestigious award celebrates groundbreaking contributions to the world of physics, and these two scholars have certainly made their mark.

Trailblazers at CERN

For over three decades, Gingrich and Pinfold were pivotal members of the team at CERN, home to the monumental ATLAS detector—the largest particle detector ever constructed. Situated 100 meters underground, this colossal 7,000-ton structure dives deep into the mysteries of particle physics, from the nature of black holes to the elusive dark matter.

Moments of Triumph Amid Challenges

Reflecting on his career, Gingrich described a particularly memorable experience of testing electronics at the particle accelerator. "Things are never what you expect, and usually we pulled it off at the last minute. That was always a victory," he reminisced. The thrill of late-night victories was complemented by the daunting reality of high costs in building microelectronics, which made every successful attempt even more rewarding.

Pioneering Research on Exotic Particles

As experts in detecting hard-to-spot particles, Gingrich and Pinfold lead the Monopole and Exotics Detector at the Large Hadron Collider (MoEDAL-MAPP) project, aiming to push the boundaries of physics further.

The Spark of Passion for Physics

Gingrich's journey into the realm of physics began in high school, where his fascination with complex scientific challenges ignited. A summer co-op job near Chicago solidified his ambition, leading him on a path filled with groundbreaking research, including the pursuit of quantum gravity through black holes.

Adversities and Innovations

Pinfold joined the U of A in 1992 to spearhead the particle physics program and partook in significant experiments at CERN, such as OPAL and EAGLE. Despite initial competition between projects, the eventual unification formed the ATLAS collaboration that tackled numerous hurdles, including the disruption caused by the supercollider's cancellation.

Encouragement for Future Physicists

Pinfold advises aspiring physicists to embrace teamwork and engage in small yet meaningful experiments. "Use your imagination to find something relevant to the larger experiment while contributing your unique skills," he said.

Gingrich echoes similar sentiments, urging students to seek collaborative environments that foster growth. "You may have been the top in your department, but in an international setting, you face many equally talented individuals. Embrace that challenge as an opportunity for advancement."