Imperial researcher awarded prestigious Institute of Physics Joseph Thomson Medal and Prize

Professor Myungshik Kim, from Imperial College London's Department of Physics, has been awarded the 2026 Institute of Physics (IOP) Joseph Thomson Medal and Prize.

The Imperial physicist has been recognised for pioneering work that has helped shape modern quantum technologies and expanded the reach of quantum optics.

Quantum optics explores the behaviour of light and matter at the smallest scales and underpins many emerging technologies, including quantum computing, communications and sensing. Professor Kim's award-winning work has helped transform the field from one focused largely on understanding quantum phenomena to one increasingly concerned with harnessing them for practical applications.

In particular, he has helped researchers understand how some of the most unusual features of quantum physics, including nonclassicality and entanglement, can be used for computing, communication and sensing.

By bridging quantum optics and information science, Professor Kim helped connect fundamental physics with a rapidly growing field that is now driving advances across academia and industry.

The Institute of Physics recognised Professor Kim: “for foundational advances that redefined nonclassicality as a physical resource and extended quantum optics from photonic systems to mechanical, plasmonic and gravitational regimes, shaping modern quantum technologies.”

Shaping modern quantum technologies

Alongside these theoretical advances, Professor Kim has developed ideas that could be tested experimentally. His research has included proposals to verify fundamental quantum relations using single photon addition and subtraction and to investigate possible quantum-gravity effects using optomechanical systems.

These approaches helped open new avenues of research, connecting quantum optics to some of the biggest questions in fundamental physics.

In quantum computing, Professor Kim pioneered coherent-state and continuous-variable approaches, helping lay foundations for architectures that are now an important area of research in both academia and industry.

More recently, he has applied concepts from quantum optics to machine learning through protocols that can be implemented in real physical systems.

Professor Kim said “It has been a great pleasure to work with brilliant students and wonderful colleagues who shaped my understanding of quantum mechanics. This award is a recognition of the work that was possible with them.”

The Joseph Thomson Medal and Prize is awarded by the Institute of Physics, the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, in recognition of distinguished research and exceptional contributions to the field of physics.