New York Times corrects academic titles of Nobel laureates in physics coverage

The New York Times has corrected an October 7 article on the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics after misstating the academic positions held by two of the winners at the time of their experiments. The original version said Michel Devoret was a graduate student and John Martinis a postdoctoral researcher; in fact, Devoret was a postdoctoral researcher, while Martinis was a graduate student.

The piece profiled the laureates’ early research into quantum circuits and superconducting qubits, but the mislabelling of their roles inverted the hierarchy of academic seniority — an error that, while seemingly minor, misrepresented how credit and mentorship were distributed within the collaboration.

In scientific reporting, accuracy about titles and career stages matters because they reflect the structure of recognition and responsibility within research. Misidentifying who led or supported an experiment can subtly distort public understanding of how breakthroughs occur, especially in a field as collaborative and competitive as quantum physics.

The correction restores the proper historical record and ensures the contribution of both scientists is portrayed accurately. Yet the lapse underscores a recurring issue in science journalism: the challenge of translating complex institutional realities into accessible narratives without simplifying away essential details.

By issuing the clarification promptly, The New York Times reaffirmed the importance of factual precision not only in data, but in the human stories behind discovery.