Hydride superconductivity: here to stay, or to lead astray and soon go away?

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the claims supporting hydride superconductivity's legitimacy, questioning the validity of recent endorsements and discussing whether the field's prominence is justified or potentially misleading.

Contribution

It provides a critical analysis of the recent support for hydride superconductivity, challenging the consensus and highlighting unresolved scientific issues.

Findings

Questions the validity of recent claims supporting hydride superconductivity

Highlights unresolved scientific challenges in the field

Suggests the need for cautious interpretation of current evidence

Abstract

In a recent Comment (arXiv:2411.10522, Nat Rev Phys 7, 2 (2025)), fifteen prominent leaders in the field of condensed matter physics declare that hydride superconductivity is real and urge funding agencies to continue to support the field. I question the validity and constructiveness of their argument.