A remarkable fifteen-year-old, frequently referred to as “Belgium’s little Einstein,” has concluded his doctoral studies in quantum physics, potentially achieving this milestone with unprecedented speed.
Flemish broadcaster VTM has reported that Laurent Simons successfully defended his dissertation earlier this week at the University of Antwerp.
Laurent may very well hold the distinction of being the youngest individual globally to attain a doctorate in this specific scientific discipline, though a definitive official ranking for such achievements is not readily available.
Commencing primary education at the tender age of four, Laurent had already progressed beyond elementary schooling by age six. By the time he was 12 years old, Laurent had secured a master’s degree in quantum physics, devoting his academic pursuits to the intricate study of bosons and black holes.
It has been documented that Laurent possesses a photographic memory and an exceptionally high IQ of 145, a cognitive level attained by approximately 0.1 percent of the global population.
At the age of 11, following the profound loss of his grandparents, Laurent articulated his ambition to pursue a goal even more aspirational than a PhD: the attainment of immortality.
Alternatively, his immediate focus is on extending the human lifespan.
He emphasizes that his motivation stems not from personal desire, but from a wish to benefit humankind. Laurent has expressed intentions to delve into medical science in his future academic endeavors.
While Simons’ achievements are undeniably extraordinary, historical records reveal instances of individuals earning doctoral degrees at even younger ages.
The Guinness World Records currently recognizes Karl Witte as the youngest recipient of a PhD. Witte, a German child prodigy, obtained his doctorate in 1814 when he was just 13 years old, as detailed by Wikipedia.
Within the specific domain of physics, a notable recent graduate who achieved a doctorate at a very young age is Carson Huey-You, who completed his studies last year at the age of 21.
Carson’s mother recounted that he was already engrossed in chapter books by the age of two, and by five years old, he was engaged with precalculus, according to a statement she made.
According to reporting from The Brussels Times, prominent IT corporations in the United States and China have already extended invitations to Laurent’s parents, proposing that the young prodigy join their respective research facilities. At the time this information was published, his parents had declined all such offers.
“There exist two distinct personas of Laurent,” his father communicated to reporter Justin Stares back in 2022: “the scientific intellect and the youthful individual.”
