The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov for their work on quantum dots. The prize recognizes the discovery and development of these nanoscale particles, which have reshaped modern materials science.

Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles that display unusual optical and electronic properties because of their size. Their research helped explain how controlling matter at the nanoscale can produce new applications in fields such as medical imaging, display technology and solar energy.

The Nobel committee said the three scientists’ contributions laid the foundation for a major scientific field. Their work spans decades and reflects the gradual process of turning laboratory discoveries into practical technologies.

The award highlights how fundamental chemistry research can lead to advances with broad commercial and scientific impact. It also places the spotlight on nanoscale science, where small structural changes can create major differences in performance.