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Belgian Teen 'Little Einstein' Earns PhD in Quantum Physics at 15, Eyes Life‑Extension Research

Fifteen-year-old Laurent Simons defended his PhD in quantum physics at the University of Antwerp, potentially making him one of the youngest to do so in the field. He began primary school at four, completed a master's by 12, and has expressed interest in researching life extension and studying medical science next. Reports attribute a photographic memory and an IQ of about 145 to him, and technology firms have reportedly approached his family but been turned down. While extraordinary, Laurent is not the youngest PhD on record; historical and recent examples show variability in ages among doctorate recipients.

09:49 PM, 11/28/2025Science
Belgian Teen 'Little Einstein' Earns PhD in Quantum Physics at 15, Eyes Life‑Extension Research

Fifteen-year-old Laurent Simons has defended his doctoral thesis in quantum physics at the University of Antwerp, making him one of the youngest people known to complete a doctorate in this field. There is no formal global ranking for youngest doctorate holders in quantum physics, but his achievement has drawn international attention.

Laurent's accelerated education began early: he started primary school at four and finished it by six. By age 12 he had already earned a master's degree in quantum physics, with studies touching on topics such as bosons and black holes.

Media reports describe him as having a photographic memory and an IQ of roughly 145 — figures presented as reported claims rather than independently verified facts. After the death of his grandparents when he was 11, Laurent set a new ambition beyond academic accolades: to pursue research aimed at extending healthy human lifespan. He has said his motivation is altruistic and intends to study medical science to move from fundamental physics toward work with clinical applications.

Technology companies in the United States and China have reportedly contacted his family with offers to involve him in research programs; his parents have declined these approaches so far, preferring to manage his education and opportunities carefully.

How rare is this?

Although remarkable, Laurent is not the youngest person ever to receive a doctorate. The Guinness World Records lists Karl Witte, a German child prodigy, as the youngest on record — he earned a PhD in 1814 at age 13. In modern times, there are other notable young doctorate holders in science; for example, Carson Huey-You completed a doctorate in physics in his early twenties, reflecting the wide range of ages at which exceptional students complete advanced degrees.

Laurent's father summed up the dual nature of his son's life in 2022: "There are two Laurents, the scientist and the boy." That tension — between extraordinary academic progress and normal childhood development — will likely shape how his education and career unfold in the years ahead.

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