In this episode of ML4Q&A, host Mira Sharma, an associated member of the Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) Cluster, chats with one of the leading voices in experimental quantum optics - Professor Christine Silberhorn from the University of Paderborn.
Christine’s groundbreaking work in integrated quantum optical systems has earned her numerous prestigious awards. She’s also a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of North Rhine-Westphalia and was appointed to the German Science Council in 2023. Her research focuses on making photonic quantum computing scalable and practical - using light particles, or "flying qubits," to push the boundaries of quantum communication.
In this conversation, Christine shares how photonic quantum systems can be integrated on a chip, why education in quantum science needs fresh thinking as well as her personal journey in academia and research.
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22. Concepts, Chaos, and Cluster Coordination: Alex Altland
In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira talk with Alex Altland, theoretical physicist and ML4Q member, about the tension between deep scientific thinking and the administrative reality of coordinating the renewal proposal of ML4Q.
As one of the designated spokespersons for ML4Q’s next funding phase, Alex shares behind-the-scenes insights into managing this large-scale effort — just days before the final decision in May 2025.
We also explore his enduring fascination with foundational concepts in physics, spanning quantum field theory, quantum chaos, and topological matter. Alongside his research, Alex reflects on the importance of conceptual clarity in teaching, textbook writing, and his path from chemistry (and a brief detour into business consulting) to becoming a deeply theoretical physicist.
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21. From Industry back to Academia: Mario Berta
In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira are joined by ML4Q Professor Mario Berta, who shares his unique journey from ETH Zürich via Imperial College London and Amazon Web Services to RWTH Aachen University. They discuss his work on quantum algorithms, benchmarking, and bridging the gap between theory and industry, as well as insights into starting a research group and teaching theoretical physics. Tune in to explore Mario’s fascinating career path and hear about the quantum version of Stein’s Lemma!
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20. From Academia to Industry: Frank Wilhelm-Mauch and Jan Goetz
In this special 20th episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira celebrate the journey of the podcast, from its beginnings in 2021 to becoming a platform for exploring quantum careers, research, and innovation.
This milestone episode dives into the interplay between academia and industry in quantum technology with two distinguished guests: Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM, and ML4Q Member, Frank Wilhelm-Mauch, researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich and co-founder of Qruise. Together, they discuss the complementary roles of academia and industry in advancing quantum technology, shedding light on Europe’s pivotal role in the global quantum landscape.
Join us as we look back, celebrate the present, and dive into the future of quantum!
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19. Rydberg atoms and dual career challenges: Sebastian Hofferberth
In this episode, Mira and Chris speak to Sebastian Hofferberth about his journey through academia as he literally went from Heidelberg to Harvard, to Stuttgart, then Denmark and finally to Bonn where he became member of ML4Q. We talk about the challenges of this nomadic lifestyle, which almost every longtime academic faces. Of course, Sebastian also explains his work in quantum optics with Rydberg atoms and shares his passion for teaching. He discusses how quantum mechanics (can be) seems non-intuitive at first but can be made more approachable.
Über ML4Q&A - from the lives of quantum physicists
Nature is fascinating and so is physics let alone quantum physics! Join us as we delve into the lives of scientists and the complexity of their research topics. Grab a drink, hop on a bus or go for a walk and listen to the many different stories about being a scientist and basically doing something for a living only a few can understand.
Our guests are all involved in the research mission of ML4Q, a German consortium dedicated to develop the best hardware platform for quantum information technology, and provide comprehensive blueprints for a functional quantum information network.
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