Laurent Simons to join Bar-Ilan University and open lab in Israel

Laurent Simons, a 16-year-old Belgian scientific prodigy, is moving to Israel to join research laboratories at Bar-Ilan University. Having previously earned a doctorate in quantum physics at age 15, Simons is now shifting his research focus from theoretical physics toward medical science and the biology of aging, with the goal of extending human life.

Simons intends to eventually establish his own laboratory in Israel, citing the country's strong research environment in his fields of interest. His move comes amid ongoing academic debates regarding collaborations with Israeli institutions due to the conflict in Gaza, which have led several European universities to suspend or freeze partnerships with Israeli counterparts.

Simons, whose academic career has spanned institutions in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, recently met with Israel’s ambassador to Belgium, David Saranga. The ambassador noted that Simons' decision to move to Israel is entirely voluntary and driven by scientific curiosity.