Martin Green, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, has written an open letter to fans of the competition. A week on from the EBU General Assembly, where new rules were adopted for Eurovision 2026, and Israel was confirmed as competing in Vienna, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest has written a letter to fans of the contest. The letter outlines Martin Green’s reflections on recent editions of the Eurovision Song Contest, the values of Eurovision and how he hopes the 2026 contest will play out. The letter reads: Dear Fans, I know that many of you will be feeling strong emotions at this time. I certainly am, which is why I wanted to write directly to you. I also know you feel strongly about events in the Middle East and how those realities connect to the Eurovision Song Contest. No one can fail to be moved by what we have seen in the region in the past few years. Some of you have written to us, spoken out, or expressed anger and pain at what they see as silence in the face of tragedy. I want to say that we hear you. We understand why you feel so strongly and that we care too. The Eurovision Song Contest was born 70 years ago – in a divided and fractured Europe – as a symbol of unity, peace, and hope through music. Those foundations have not changed and neither has the Contest’s purpose. This Contest has survived and thrived despite wars, political upheaval, and shifting borders. Through it all, it has remained a place where people from all corners of Europe, and now the world, can come together to celebrate creativity and connection despite, and because of, the world around us. We know many fans want us to take a defined position on geo-political events. But the only way the Eurovision Song Contest can continue to bring people together is by ensuring we are guided by our rules first and foremost. As we look to next year, we will ensure that all participating broadcasters respect the rules of the competition and if they don’t you have a personal pledge from me, we will not tolerate it and call it out. When faced with a divided world, the Eurovision Song Contest has the privileged role to offer a space where millions can celebrate what connects us. A space where music takes centre stage. A space that welcomes everyone – whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever your views are about the world around us. I want to say specifically to fans in Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands that your broadcasters, like all our Members made a decision that was right for them and contributed to the debate with great dignity. All of us here respect their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the Contest soon. Our artists, our delegations, and importantly our fans – each one of you – are the heart of this Contest. We know how much love there is for this event, how many of your lives are built around your passion for the Eurovision Song Contest. We are committed to doing everything we can so that, for another 70 years and beyond, the Eurovision Song Contest continues to be a place where friendships are forged, languages are learned and new genres and artists are discovered. In a challenging world we can indeed be United by Music. With love and gratitude, Martin Green CBE Director, Eurovision Song Contest ##### **Eurovision 2026** As announced by the EBU in August, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Vienna following JJ’s victory for Austria with “Wasted Love” in Basel. Both semi-finals are scheduled for May 12 and 14, while the Grand Final will take place on May 16. The contest will be hosted at the Wiener Stadthalle, the same venue used in 2015, which can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators. Image source: ORF/EBU | Source: Eurovision.com ### Share this: * Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X * Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Click to print (Opens in new window) Print * Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram * Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * ### Like this: Like Loading... ###### Posted by:Anthony Granger Since launching Eurovoix in April 2011, it has been a pleasure to find out more about this amazing continent through the Eurovision Family of Events. From starting out as a small site, it's been brilliant to see the site grow and flourish and continue to bring our readers everything from the world of Eurovision.

Iceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in saying it will boycott the 2026 contest.

A Belgian teenager has become one of the youngest individuals in modern history to complete a **PhD in quantum physics**. But for _A 15-year-old has just earned a PhD in quantum physics—and that’s only the beginning. Now pursuing advanced research in AI and human enhancement_ , age 15, this milestone is just one phase in a much broader—and more provocative—scientific agenda. This week, the _University of Antwerp_ confirmed that Simons successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in theoretical physics, completing work typically undertaken by graduate researchers more than a decade older. His thesis focused on **Bose polarons in superfluids and supersolids** , complex quantum systems involving ultracold matter. **_Photo of Laurent Simons. Credit: TV channel VTM_** Simons is already pursuing a **second PhD** in **medical science with a specialization in artificial intelligence** , and has stated publicly that his ultimate goal is to design technologies that extend and enhance human life. His next ambition, as he describes it, is the development of _“superhumans.”_ ## From Ultracold Physics to Biomedical Innovation Simons’ doctoral research delved into the quantum behavior of **Bose–Einstein condensates** , a state of matter where atoms cooled to near absolute zero behave as a single coherent entity. His work specifically examined _Bose polarons_ —foreign particles interacting with the condensate—offering insights into how **quasiparticles** behave in **quantum fluids**. These phenomena are essential to the study of **many-body systems** , and have implications for **material science** , **quantum computing** , and even **astrophysics**. His dissertation was officially validated by the University of Antwerp and marks a significant contribution to one of the most challenging fields in theoretical physics. **_Visualization of Bose–Einstein condensate behavior—Simons’ doctoral research focused on impurity interactions in such quantum states. Credit: NIST/JILA/CU-Boulder_** Before completing his PhD, Simons earned both his **bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics** at the University of Antwerp in under two years. He also completed an internship in **quantum optics** at the **Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics** in Germany, where he began exploring parallels between quantum systems and biological processes. This exposure to interdisciplinary research appears to have influenced his academic trajectory. He is now enrolled in a medical science doctoral program in Munich, where his focus has shifted toward **AI applications in diagnostics, aging, and regenerative medicine**. ## AI and the Pursuit of Engineered Longevity Simons has stated in multiple interviews that he is motivated by the goal of **extending human life** through advanced science. In an interview with Belgian broadcaster _VTM_ , he said: _“After this, I’ll start working towards my goal: creating super-humans.”_ His long-term interest in **biological enhancement** and **human immortality** has been on record since at least age 11, when he referred to defeating aging as his “end goal.” He now sees **artificial intelligence in medicine** as the most promising pathway toward that vision. **_Artificial intelligence is being explored in fields ranging from regenerative medicine to predictive diagnostics—Simons is positioning this as his next research frontier. Credit: Shutterstock_** The timing aligns with broader momentum in **longevity research** and **AI-driven healthcare**. Companies like _Altos Labs_ and _Calico Life Sciences_ have attracted global attention and billions in funding to pursue **cellular reprogramming** , **AI-guided diagnostics** , and **anti-aging therapeutics**. Research published in _Nature Aging_ and _Cell Reports Medicine_ continues to highlight progress in areas like **senolytic drugs** , **genetic editing** , and **machine learning-based predictive biomarkers**. Simons’ entry into this space brings a different dimension—not just due to his age, but due to his deep background in **quantum theory** , which rarely intersects with medical research at the doctoral level. ## Redefining Scientific Acceleration Simons’ academic timeline defies traditional pathways. He finished **high school at age 8** , enrolled in university before age 10, and earned a master’s degree in **quantum physics** by 12. His original plan to graduate from _Eindhoven University of Technology_ at 9 was delayed due to internal scheduling disagreements, prompting a switch to Antwerp. At each stage, he has moved through coursework at unprecedented speeds. During his master’s program, he completed all requirements in the first semester, using the second semester to conduct thesis research and intern at Max Planck. Public fascination with child prodigies is nothing new, but Simons’ focus on **radical biomedical innovation** places him in an uncommon category—students not just advancing fast, but pushing into ethically and scientifically controversial domains. There is no indication from the University of Antwerp or his current institutions that his academic credentials are anything but legitimate. His PhD defense and dissertation topic are publicly documented, and the university confirmed his successful completion of the program. ## An Ambition That Tests Scientific Boundaries Simons’ transition from **quantum physics** to **biomedical AI** is unconventional, and many researchers remain skeptical about the feasibility of engineering “superhumans” within current scientific or ethical boundaries. The field of **human enhancement** , often aligned with **transhumanism** , remains speculative in most areas beyond _assistive technologies_ and _precision medicine_. Scientific literature supports incremental progress in aging biomarkers and tissue engineering, but the concept of “superhuman capabilities” remains largely theoretical. **_Advanced anti-aging therapies are one area that could deepen inequality. Credit: Shutterstock_** Nonetheless, Simons is framing his academic work as a direct path toward these goals. His public statements—and the direction of his research—signal a belief that **human biology** can be reengineered, not merely treated or repaired. The fact that such ambitions are emerging from a researcher not yet old enough to vote only amplifies the debate around **ethics, oversight, and acceleration** in high-stakes science.

The plan would affect people from countries, including the UK, which can fill out a form in lieu of a visa.

A Belgian teenager has become one of the youngest individuals in modern history to complete a **PhD in quantum physics**. But for _A 15-year-old has just earned a PhD in quantum physics—and that’s only the beginning. Now pursuing advanced research in AI and human enhancement_ , age 15, this milestone is just one phase in a much broader—and more provocative—scientific agenda. This week, the _University of Antwerp_ confirmed that Simons successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in theoretical physics, completing work typically undertaken by graduate researchers more than a decade older. His thesis focused on **Bose polarons in superfluids and supersolids** , complex quantum systems involving ultracold matter. **_Photo of Laurent Simons. Credit: TV channel VTM_** Simons is already pursuing a **second PhD** in **medical science with a specialization in artificial intelligence** , and has stated publicly that his ultimate goal is to design technologies that extend and enhance human life. His next ambition, as he describes it, is the development of _“superhumans.”_ ## From Ultracold Physics to Biomedical Innovation Simons’ doctoral research delved into the quantum behavior of **Bose–Einstein condensates** , a state of matter where atoms cooled to near absolute zero behave as a single coherent entity. His work specifically examined _Bose polarons_ —foreign particles interacting with the condensate—offering insights into how **quasiparticles** behave in **quantum fluids**. These phenomena are essential to the study of **many-body systems** , and have implications for **material science** , **quantum computing** , and even **astrophysics**. His dissertation was officially validated by the University of Antwerp and marks a significant contribution to one of the most challenging fields in theoretical physics. **_Visualization of Bose–Einstein condensate behavior—Simons’ doctoral research focused on impurity interactions in such quantum states. Credit: NIST/JILA/CU-Boulder_** Before completing his PhD, Simons earned both his **bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics** at the University of Antwerp in under two years. He also completed an internship in **quantum optics** at the **Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics** in Germany, where he began exploring parallels between quantum systems and biological processes. This exposure to interdisciplinary research appears to have influenced his academic trajectory. He is now enrolled in a medical science doctoral program in Munich, where his focus has shifted toward **AI applications in diagnostics, aging, and regenerative medicine**. ## AI and the Pursuit of Engineered Longevity Simons has stated in multiple interviews that he is motivated by the goal of **extending human life** through advanced science. In an interview with Belgian broadcaster _VTM_ , he said: _“After this, I’ll start working towards my goal: creating super-humans.”_ His long-term interest in **biological enhancement** and **human immortality** has been on record since at least age 11, when he referred to defeating aging as his “end goal.” He now sees **artificial intelligence in medicine** as the most promising pathway toward that vision. **_Artificial intelligence is being explored in fields ranging from regenerative medicine to predictive diagnostics—Simons is positioning this as his next research frontier. Credit: Shutterstock_** The timing aligns with broader momentum in **longevity research** and **AI-driven healthcare**. Companies like _Altos Labs_ and _Calico Life Sciences_ have attracted global attention and billions in funding to pursue **cellular reprogramming** , **AI-guided diagnostics** , and **anti-aging therapeutics**. Research published in _Nature Aging_ and _Cell Reports Medicine_ continues to highlight progress in areas like **senolytic drugs** , **genetic editing** , and **machine learning-based predictive biomarkers**. Simons’ entry into this space brings a different dimension—not just due to his age, but due to his deep background in **quantum theory** , which rarely intersects with medical research at the doctoral level. ## Redefining Scientific Acceleration Simons’ academic timeline defies traditional pathways. He finished **high school at age 8** , enrolled in university before age 10, and earned a master’s degree in **quantum physics** by 12. His original plan to graduate from _Eindhoven University of Technology_ at 9 was delayed due to internal scheduling disagreements, prompting a switch to Antwerp. At each stage, he has moved through coursework at unprecedented speeds. During his master’s program, he completed all requirements in the first semester, using the second semester to conduct thesis research and intern at Max Planck. Public fascination with child prodigies is nothing new, but Simons’ focus on **radical biomedical innovation** places him in an uncommon category—students not just advancing fast, but pushing into ethically and scientifically controversial domains. There is no indication from the University of Antwerp or his current institutions that his academic credentials are anything but legitimate. His PhD defense and dissertation topic are publicly documented, and the university confirmed his successful completion of the program. ## An Ambition That Tests Scientific Boundaries Simons’ transition from **quantum physics** to **biomedical AI** is unconventional, and many researchers remain skeptical about the feasibility of engineering “superhumans” within current scientific or ethical boundaries. The field of **human enhancement** , often aligned with **transhumanism** , remains speculative in most areas beyond _assistive technologies_ and _precision medicine_. Scientific literature supports incremental progress in aging biomarkers and tissue engineering, but the concept of “superhuman capabilities” remains largely theoretical. **_Advanced anti-aging therapies are one area that could deepen inequality. Credit: Shutterstock_** Nonetheless, Simons is framing his academic work as a direct path toward these goals. His public statements—and the direction of his research—signal a belief that **human biology** can be reengineered, not merely treated or repaired. The fact that such ambitions are emerging from a researcher not yet old enough to vote only amplifies the debate around **ethics, oversight, and acceleration** in high-stakes science.

Every match at the 2026 World Cup will have three-minute hydration breaks in each half.

Migrant support groups in France say lack of action over British activists is ‘encouraging violent and xenophobic practices’

Friday’s ceremony in Washington DC was cringe-inducing and craven enough to make football fans nostalgic for the reign of Sepp Blatter

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RFK Jr’s vaccine advisory panel will be discussing the inclusion of adjuvants in childhood vaccinations this week. Here’s what’s at stake.

The conference will take place in 2026 after being cancelled for a year in light of the Supreme Court's gender ruling.

The animal at Pensthorpe is thought to be the first wild beaver in Norfolk for centuries.

“Misleading. Biased. Exposed.” Far from encouraging trustworthy journalism, the new media bias page on the White House website is the Trump administration’s latest effort to pillory the media. Journalists and outlets critical of Trump’s measures are labelled as “offenders” with no factual breakdown of why their reporting is incorrect. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the White House to take the page down immediately.