Professor Ian Walmsley CBE FRS has been appointed Director of the Oxford Quantum Institute at Oxford University. The institute brings together Oxford University’s world-leading expertise in quantum science and technology, facilitating collaboration between research groups from a broad range of disciplines. The Institute’s mission is to ensure Oxford remains at the forefront of both developing new understanding of the quantum worlds and realising new applications of quantum technologies to global challenges.
Professor Walmsley is currently Provost at Imperial College London and Professor of Experimental Physics. Professor Walmsley was previously at Oxford where he was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and held the Hooke Professorship of Experimental Physics; while at Oxford, he also led the national Networked Quantum Information Technologies (NQIT) hub and co-founded ORCA Computing, a spin-out based on patents from the hub.
He is an expert in quantum photonics applied to information sciences, and his research in optical science and engineering has ranged from ultrafast optics, including the invention of the SPIDER technique for ultrashort pulse characterisation, to quantum simulation, including the first experimental demonstration of Boson Sampling. He was awarded a CBE in 2024 for services to science and quantum technologies.
‘I am delighted to head up the Oxford Quantum Institute, which will help bring together expertise from many departments and centres to address both foundational questions in quantum science and application challenges in quantum technologies,’ comments Professor Walmsley. ‘The Institute will also position Oxford to set an ambitious agenda as a thought leader and convener for industry, government and civil society. This interdisciplinary approach will build on Oxford’s incredible collective strengths to maximise capability and push forward the boundaries of both discovery science and technology. Together we can realise some of the extraordinary promises of the field, and have an impact on society around the world.’
The Oxford Quantum Institute is hosted by the Department of Physics and is a hub for researchers from departments across the University of Oxford. Oxford’s Maths, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is at the forefront of developing quantum technologies in the UK; three successive national quantum technologies hubs have been led from the departments of Physics and Engineering Sciences, including the current QCI3 hub, while the innovative interdisciplinary Masters in Quantum Technology will welcome its first cohort in October to prepare the next generation of leaders. Oxford also has leadership roles in two other national quantum hubs in communications and in health.
‘Establishing the Oxford Quantum Institute is key to ensuring that we are in a position to maximise and accelerate the wide-ranging work that we do in the quantum sector – in the Department of Physics but also across the wider University – and Ian is exactly the leader the institute needs,’ comments Professor Andrew Boothroyd, Head of Department. ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome him back to Physics; he is a valued, trusted and much-respected colleague and this is a new, transformative chapter for quantum technology at Oxford.’
Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, adds: ‘Quantum technologies are transforming our understanding of the universe and unlocking powerful new tools for the future. The Oxford Quantum Institute will be a catalyst for world-class, cross-disciplinary research and innovation in this rapidly evolving field. We are all delighted that Professor Ian Walmsley FRS has agreed to be the Director. Ian is a world-renowned quantum scientist, he brings deep expertise, strategic vision and a collaborative spirit that will drive the Institute, further cementing Oxford’s intellectual leadership in this area.’
Professor Walmsley will take up his position at the start of the new academic year in October.