In a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering work in artificial neural networks. Their discoveries and inventions have significantly advanced the field of machine learning, enabling neural networks to learn and process information in ways that mimic the human brain.
“This year’s two Nobel Laureates in physics have used tools from physics to develop methods that are the foundation of today’s powerful machine learning,” the Nobel committee stated, highlighting the profound impact of their work on modern technology.
John Hopfield, affiliated with Princeton University, and Geoffrey Hinton, from the University of Toronto, have been instrumental in bridging the gap between physics and artificial intelligence. Ellen Moons, a member of the Nobel committee at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, remarked, “They used fundamental concepts from statistical physics to design artificial neural networks that function as associative memories and find patterns in large data sets.”
Their contributions have not only propelled scientific research but have also permeated daily life. The artificial neural networks they developed are integral to technologies such as facial recognition and language translation, tools that millions rely on every day.
The announcement comes a day after two American scientists received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discovery of microRNA, underlining a week of significant scientific achievements being recognized on the global stage.
The Nobel Prize in Physics, one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific community, carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million), funded by a bequest from Alfred Nobel. Since its inception in 1901, the prize has been awarded 117 times to 225 laureates. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Nobel’s death.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
