Born in Den Helder, the Netherlands in 1946, Gerard 't Hooft studied physics and mathematics at the University of Utrecht. Dr. 't Hooft received his Ph.D in theoretical physics in 1972, and is presently a professor at that same institution.
Dr. Hooft's primary research interests focus on gauge theories in elementary particle physics; quantum gravity and black holes; and fundamental aspects of quantum physics. In addition to the Ben Franklin Medal, Dr. 't Hooft's contributions to science have been honored with many awards, including the 1999 Nobel Prize in Physics, with the citiation "for elucidating the quantum structure of electroweak interactions in physics." Dr. 't Hooft and his colleague Martinus J. G. Veltman are responsible for placing particle physics theory on a firmer mathematical foundation, thereby illustrating how the theory may be used for precise calculations of physical quantities.
Information as of 1995