It’s a prize for research that most of us probably wouldn’t even be able to understand if it was written in plain English.

A French and American scientist have been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in physics.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences cited that the two scientists won for “ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems.”

The Associated Press reports that the research allows scientists to observe some of the bizarre properties of the quantum world. This has led to the construction of extremely precise clocks and is expected to help scientists take the first step toward building superfast computers.

Previously scientists were unable to observe individual quantum particles, and only through the “ingenious laboratory methods” of the two scientists are we now able to directly observe these particles.

Haroche and Wineland, both 68, work in the field of quantum optics, which deals with the interaction between light and matter.

The prize is worth about $1.2 million dollars are recognizes some of the leading research each year in the highly advanced field of physics.