UNSW quantum computing pioneer Andrew Dzurak awarded 2026 Walter Boas Medal

The Australian Institute of Physics has recognised UNSW's Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak for his outstanding contribution to quantum computing.

UNSW Sydney quantum computing expert Professor Andrew Dzurak has been awarded the 2026 Walter Boas Medal, one of Australia’s highest distinctions in physics, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to silicon-based quantum computing. The award was announced by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) as part of its 2026 national awards program.

The Walter Boas Medal is awarded annually for excellence in research and acknowledges original work that has made an important contribution to physics in Australia. Established in 1984, the medal commemorates physicist and metallurgist Walter Moritz Boas, a key figure in Australian physics and an Honorary Fellow of the AIP.

The 2026 Medal lauds Prof. Dzurak, who is also Founder and CEO of spinout quantum computing company Diraq as “pioneering research advancing silicon-based quantum computing”, a field in which he has been an international leader for more than two decades.

The award citation highlights a body of work that has helped establish Diraq’s quantum bits (qubits) as one of the world’s leading approaches to building quantum computers at ‘utility scale’ – using existing manufacturing technology to produce systems whose economic value outweighs their cost.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive the Walter Boas Medal from the Australian Institute of Physics,” Prof. Dzurak said.

“This recognition reflects the work of an extraordinary group of researchers who have dedicated themselves to advancing quantum computing based on Diraq’s silicon spin qubits. It’s especially meaningful because it comes from Australia’s physics community, which has played such an important role in establishing the country’s global leadership in quantum technologies.”

Across his career, Dzurak and his team have achieved a series of international firsts, including the 2014 invention of the silicon qubit that forms the basis of Diraq’s technology. Since founding Diraq in 2022, Dzurak has focused on solving the critical challenges of scalability and manufacturability required to turn quantum computing into a practical technology. This work includes a landmark 2025 result showing that qubits manufactured using the same processes as conventional computer chips can achieve the performance needed for utility scale.

The award comes at a pivotal moment, following announcements relating to Diraq’s US expansion, the publication of a white paper detailing the company’s technology, and the launch of its first deployment in a shared commercial compute facility.

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox AO, said Professor Dzurak’s recognition reflected the strength of Australia’s quantum research community and the importance of translating scientific breakthroughs into practical technologies.

“Professor Dzurak’s leadership in quantum computing is a powerful example of how Australian research can lead at the global frontier while laying the foundations for new technologies and industries,” she said.

“His sustained contributions to silicon-based quantum computing have strengthened Australia’s position in the international quantum landscape and demonstrated the value of long-term investment in research and collaboration. He has also inspired the next generation of quantum researchers and innovators, attracting talented people who may never have imagined a career in quantum physics.”

The Walter Boas Medal will be presented at AIP Congress 2026 in Sydney in December.