Quantum in pictures: unlocking the mysteries of quantum physics

This public talk introduces a new way to understand quantum physics – often seen as mysterious, counterintuitive, and difficult to learn, typically requiring advanced mathematics. Using pictures alone, the images are not mere illustrations – they form a new mathematical language specifically designed to describe quantum processes and computation. Yet, they are intuitive enough to make quantum theory accessible to everyone. We will explore the key concepts behind quantum theory and quantum computing, offering a fresh and approachable perspective on the quantum world.

Speaker

Muhammad Hamza Waseem is a research scientist at Quantinuum. His current research focuses on quantum foundations, quantum science education, applied category theory, mathematical linguistics, and quantum natural language processing. Hamza has recently defended his DPhil in Physics at the University of Oxford, which was funded by the Rhodes Trust and Magdalen College. His thesis explored applied process-relational philosophy and employed string diagrams to study interpretations of quantum theory, constructor theory, wave-based logic, quantum computing and natural language processing.

Passionate about public engagement with science, Hamza has played a key role in organising the Lahore Science Mela, the largest annual science festival in Pakistan. He co-founded Spectra, an online magazine dedicated to training popular science writers in Pakistan. For his contributions to science popularisation, Hamza has been awarded the 2021 Diana Award, a High Commendation at the 2021 SEPnet Public Engagement Awards, and the 2024 MPLS Public Engagement with Research Impact Award.

At Oxford, Hamza teaches mathematics and physics at Magdalen College, the Mathematical Institute, and the Department of Computer Science. He has also served as a Lecturer in Physics at Magdalen College. Additionally, he is a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Centre for Advanced Studies in Dublin.