Change of tack: why Nobel laureates love to leave the herd
Many physicists who win a Nobel prize find the freedom it brings lets them carve out new research paths. Unfettered by the need to “prove” themselves or continue on the treadmill of bringing in grants, equipment and students, Nobel laureates can branch out into new research directions. But tackling novel topics is usually second nature for Nobel laureates. In fact, as this month’s cover feature reveals, very often the shift in focus began long before their prize was conferred. Also in this issue: open-source microscopy, graphene’s non-local behaviour and the life and times of Vera Rubin.
Expand to full screen, bookmark pages or download to read offline using the icons beneath the screen. You can access the videos and audio clips if you read the emagazine online. Read it now
Get more from Physics World without waiting for the next issue. The same great journalism, but delivered to you daily. Read updates on the latest research as soon as they happen and access 20 years of online content, organised across 13 dedicated scientific areas. Visit the homepage to start exploring.
