Physicist behind Higgs boson theory wins city award

STV
University: Professor Higgs has won the award for his work at the University of Edinburgh.© STV

A scientist whose work lies at the heart of the "Big Bang" experiment in Switzerland has been given the Edinburgh Award.

Professor Peter Higgs came up with his theory about the boson particle while he worked at the University of Edinburgh in 1964.

The Large Hadron Collider in Geneva is trying to prove the existence of the elusive boson, which is thought to be how everything in the universe gets its mass.

The project is hopeful of finding the particle next year.

On Friday, it was announced that Professor Higgs, 82, will be given the Edinburgh Award early in 2012 for his work at the city’s university.

As well as receiving the engraved Loving Cup, he will have a mould of his handprints engraved onto a flagstone in the City Chambers quandrangle.

Lord Provost George Grubb said: "The Edinburgh Award enables the people of Edinburgh to pay a lasting tribute to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the city through their work or achievements in recent years.

"I am delighted to present this year’s award to Professor Peter Higgs whose discovery of the Higgs boson has not only made him an international success, but has also significantly advanced the study of particle physics.

"His work with the University of Edinburgh has put this city on an international stage and as such he has undoubtedly proven to be a most deserved winner of one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious civic awards."

Previous winners of the award include Ian Rankin, JK Rowling and Sir Chris Hoy.

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