Meet Laurent Simons, 16-year-old Belgian prodigy who completed PhD in quantum physics at 15, now pursuing second doctorate in medical science

At 16, Laurent Simons has already achieved something most people spend years working towards. The Belgian prodigy completed a doctoral degree in quantum physics at just 15 and is now pursuing a second doctorate in medical science.

Simons defended his PhD at the University of Antwerp on November 17, 2025. His doctoral thesis focused on Bose polarons in superfluids and supersolids. It is an advanced area which involves ultracold quantum systems.

The academic journey of Simons did not begin with his PhD. Simons started moving through education at an extraordinary pace when he was still a young child. Today, his interests have expanded from quantum physics to medicine, AI, and research connecting physics with the human body.

How did he become a student so young?

He started primary school when was four years old. He then progressed through secondary education much faster than the usual academic path.

At around eight, he entered Eindhoven University of Technology to study electrical engineering. Reports at that time described his course as an accelerated three-year programme.

His academic journey later took him to University of Antwerp, where he continued with Physics. He completed a bachelor's degree in physics at the age of 11 and then earned a master's degree in quantum physics at 12.

He also gained research exposure at Germany's Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics.

What did he research for his first PhD?

Simons' first doctorate was in quantum physics and took his academic journey into an advanced area of research. He defended his PhD at the University of Antwerp on November 17, 2025, at the age of 15. His thesis examined Bose polarons in superfluids and supersolids.

Why is he pursuing a second doctorate?

Now 16, Simon is pursuing a second doctorate, this time in medical science. His research interests include AI and the connection between physics and medicine. His current research profile also lists whole-body imaging and interdisciplinary approaches that bring physics and medicine together.

As a child, he had already spoken about wanting to use science to extend human life. In 2019, he reportedly said he wanted to develop artificial organs and eventually help people with heart problems.

What is he doing at 16?

At 16, Simons is continuing his academic journey with a second doctorate in medical science. His path has already taken him through electrical engineering, physics, quantum physics and now medicine, while his current research interests bring together AI, whole-body imaging and physics.

For someone who completed a PhD at 15, his academic journey is far from over. His move into medical science also shows an ambition he expressed as a child.