We are proud to share that Nordita researcher Sreenath Manikandan and Nobel Laureate Frank Wilczek have been awarded first prize in the 2025 Gravity Research Foundation essay competition with their contribution “Probing Quantum Structure in Gravitational Radiation”.
In the essay, they propose a new way to test whether gravitational waves are best described by classical physics or display quantum behavior; a question with fundamental implications for our understanding of gravity.
“All current experiments treat gravity classically and seem to work fine, but we know that nature follows the rules of quantum mechanics with great accuracy,” says Sreenath Manikandan. “Gravity is the only fundamental force that hasn’t yet revealed a quantum side. In our essay, we propose statistical tests that could challenge the classical view and point to quantum features of gravity, using realistic setups with resonant detectors. This could open a path toward detecting quantum effects in gravity with near-future experiments.”
This is the third time Frank Wilczek has received the Gravity Foundation first prize. Previous winners also include several other Nobel Laureates, such as Gerard ‘t Hooft and Roger Penrose, as well as renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.
“It’s a nice ego boost, of course,” says Frank Wilczek. “And I hope it will call further attention to the line of work we’ve been pursuing. We’re asking experimenters to take on some very challenging assignments, with the lure that very fundamental new questions can be posed and answered.”
“It means a lot to me personally to be recognized jointly with Prof. Wilczek on a topic we are both excited about,” adds Manikandan. It is motivating and inspiring, and also very timely given the stage of my career.”
The essay is available on the Gravity Research Foundation's website and will be published in the October 2025 special issue of the International Journal of Modern Physics D.
