UNSW quantum computing pioneer elected American Physical Society Fellow

Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to silicon-based quantum computing and the development of scalable quantum technologies.

UNSW Sydney researcher and Diraq Founder and CEO Professor Andrew Dzurak has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), one of the highest honours in the global physics community.

The APS Fellowship is awarded through nomination and peer review to physicists who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of physics. Prof. Dzurak was recognised for the development of spin-based qubits in silicon and the technology required to enable scalable, economical quantum computing.

Prof. Dzurak is the Founder and CEO of Diraq, a UNSW spinout developing cost-effective and energy-efficient quantum computers based on silicon spin qubits.

Over more than two decades, Prof. Dzurak has helped establish silicon spin qubits as one of the leading approaches to quantum computing. These advances underpin Diraq’s approach to building large-scale quantum computers using the manufacturing infrastructure and expertise of the semiconductor industry.

Professor Dzurak said he was honoured to be elected an APS Fellow.

“This recognition reflects the remarkable work of the students, postdoctoral researchers, colleagues and collaborators I’ve had the privilege to work with over many years,” he said.

“Quantum computing is a profoundly collaborative effort, and I’m grateful to have shared this journey with so many talented people.”

From UNSW to the world stage

The American Physical Society is one of the world’s largest organisations dedicated to advancing and disseminating knowledge of physics. Election to APS Fellowship recognises outstanding contributions to physics through research, applications, leadership, education or service.

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox AO, said: “Professor Dzurak’s election as a Fellow of the American Physical Society is a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to quantum computing and his leadership in silicon-based quantum technologies.

“His work has helped position UNSW and Australia at the forefront of this rapidly advancing field, while Diraq’s ongoing development of scalable quantum computers demonstrates the real-world impact of university research and innovation.”

UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps said: “This prestigious recognition reflects Professor Dzurak’s sustained leadership in quantum engineering and the significance of his pioneering work in silicon spin qubits.

“Andrew has inspired generations of researchers and students, and his achievements demonstrate how world-leading research at UNSW can translate into technologies with the potential to transform computing.”