Congratulations on the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Dr. John Clarke, Dr. Michel H. Devoret, and Dr. John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in electrical circuits.
Quantum effects were long thought to exist only in the microscopic world of atoms and subatomic particles. The work of these three scientists challenged this assumption by demonstrating quantum phenomena in macroscopic systems - superconducting electrical circuits. This achievement established the theoretical and experimental foundation for quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum cryptography, enabling the rapid progress we see in these fields today.
Dr. John M. Martinis, one of the laureates, is a mentor I deeply respect. I have been fortunate to maintain a personal exchange with him and to receive his guidance not only in science and technologies, but also about how to be the leader of a large-scale R&D project. His visit to our laboratory at Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) in 2024, when he delivered a lecture at the 986th IMS Colloquium, is still fresh in my memory. I would like to take this opportunity to share what I know of Dr. Martinis as a scientist.
Dr. Martinis's primary contribution has been his use of superconducting circuits to investigate fundamental questions in quantum physics, producing a series of important results. He then took his basic research findings applied to the development of quantum computers, becoming a leader in this field. His work has not stopped there. After directing large-scale and pioneering R&D for quantum computers at Google Quantum AI, he has founded his own quantum-computing startup, continuing to play a leadership role in both academia and industry.
What I find most remarkable is that Dr. Martinis has pioneered all of these paths through his own efforts. He has outstanding conceptual, deployment, and breakthrough powers to see these different areas - from precise tests of fundamental physics, its technological applications, to business development aiming at social implementation - as parts of a larger common pathway, and to promote them powerfully. I deeply respect his multi-layered, large-scale perspectives.
The research and development that Dr. Martinis initiated has now taken root at institutions worldwide, creating momentum that continues to drive quantum technology forward. This momentum will surely lead to even greater advances in the years ahead. I have been privileged to interact with Dr. Martinis directly and to receive his guidance on matters ranging from basic research, its technological applications, to commercialization. His advice remains a solid foundation for my own work in research, development, and business. I sincerely congratulate Dr. Martinis on receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics.
October 8, 2025
Kenji Ohmori, Professor
Institute for Molecular Science
November 2024 at Ohmori Laboratory
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