Laurent Simons, a recognized child prodigy, successfully defended his doctoral thesis in physics at the University of Antwerp early last week, achieving this milestone at just 15 years old. His ultimate ambition is to significantly extend human lifespan, ideally to the point of literal immortality.
Simons' academic journey began remarkably early. He graduated from high school at the age of 8 in 2018, an achievement that quickly garnered him attention. The following year, he nearly set a record for obtaining a university degree before turning 10. However, he discontinued his electrical engineering studies at Eindhoven University of Technology due to conflicts with his graduation schedule.
Opting for a different path, Simons enrolled in a bachelor's program in physics at the University of Antwerp. He completed the degree with distinction in just 18 months, a stark contrast to the typical three-year duration. By the age of 12, while most of his peers were entering their first year of middle school (6th grade), Simons had already earned a master's degree in quantum physics. This master's program, which typically takes two years for full-time students, saw him complete all coursework in a single semester, dedicating the subsequent semester to his thesis and internship.
His internship took him to Germany's Max Planck Institute for a two-month program focusing on quantum optics. It was there that Simons began to explore the intricate connections between physics and medicine. During this period, he conducted case-control studies on colorectal cancer, developing a machine algorithm capable of distinguishing between two specific types of the disease.
Simons pursued his doctorate because he felt unchallenged by his master's program, stating, "I didn't even find it difficult". With an IQ of 145, placing him in the "very gifted" category according to both Wechsler and Stanford–Binet scales, Simons continually seeks new intellectual frontiers. After completing his physics doctorate, he and his family returned to Munich, Germany, to embark on another doctoral thesis.
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Laurent Simons at his doctoral thesis defense. Photo: HLN |
Laurent Simons at his doctoral thesis defense. Photo: HLN
This new endeavor is a medical doctoral thesis specifically focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), a departure from his previous work in physics, as his father explained. Simons reiterated his goal to research lifespan extension, with the ambitious aim of making humans literally immortal.
"After this doctorate, I will begin working on my goal: creating 'superhumans'", Simons declared, outlining his vision for the future.
Khanh Linh (According to HLN, The Brussel Times)
