Fifteen-year-old Laurent Simons has officially earned a doctoral degree in quantum physics from the University of Antwerp. Simons successfully defended his thesis on Monday, following a trajectory that included completing a bachelor’s degree in physics in 18 months at the same institution, having graduated from high school at age eight. His master’s research explored the analogy between boson states and black holes, specifically studying Bose–Einstein condensates at ultra-cold temperatures. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Simons’ ambition to extend life expectancy and ultimately apply his expertise in physics, chemistry, medicine, and artificial intelligence to benefit medical science.
Laurent Simons’ Rapid Academic Achievements
Laurent Simons officially became a doctor in quantum physics at the age of 15, successfully defending his doctoral thesis at the University of Antwerp. This achievement follows a remarkably rapid academic trajectory, beginning with high school graduation at age eight and a bachelor’s degree in physics completed in just 18 months at age 12. He is believed by VTM to potentially be the youngest person ever to obtain a PhD, marking a new peak in a journey that has captivated the scientific world for years.
Simons’ earlier work demonstrates a clear focus on interdisciplinary research. At age nine, he briefly studied electrical engineering before shifting to physics. His master’s research explored the connection between boson states and black holes, specifically examining Bose–Einstein condensates at ultra-cold temperatures. Even at 12, he expressed a goal to “extend life expectancy,” signaling an ambition to apply his scientific knowledge to medicine and ultimately pursue biological immortality.
Currently, Simons is not stopping with his first doctorate. Immediately after his PhD defence, he traveled to Munich to begin a second doctoral programme, this time in medical science with a focus on artificial intelligence. According to his father, this new program is separate from his work in physics, demonstrating a continued drive to integrate multiple fields – physics, chemistry, medicine, and AI – into his research goals.
Focus on Interdisciplinary Research & Future Goals
Laurent Simons, at 15, has completed his doctorate in quantum physics and is already pursuing further study. Immediately following his PhD defense, he traveled to Munich to begin a second doctoral program, this time in medical science with a focus on artificial intelligence. This demonstrates his commitment to an interdisciplinary approach, combining physics with medicine and AI—a focus that dates back years and previously included a brief enrollment in electrical engineering. His father confirmed this second program is separate from his work in physics.
After this, I’ll start working towards my goal: creating ‘super-humans’.
Laurent Simons
Simons’ long-term goal is ambitious: creating “super-humans,” driven by a desire to “extend life expectancy” and ultimately achieve biological immortality. His research journey reflects this, beginning with physics and expanding to integrate chemistry and artificial intelligence. Even during his bachelor’s degree—completed in 18 months at age 12—he was focused on applying scientific principles to medicine. This commitment shaped decisions regarding support from tech companies, prioritizing medical benefits.
His master’s research explored the connection between boson states and black holes, specifically studying Bose–Einstein condensates at ultra-cold temperatures, and included an internship in quantum optics at the Max Planck Institute. This work highlights an early focus on how physics could intersect with the medical field. Simons’ trajectory demonstrates a consistent, long-held ambition to merge disciplines for advancements in medicine and longevity.
