Prof Francesco Petruccione
Author's posts
Mar 07
Q@SUN Seminar: Prof Menica Dibenedetto (University of Maastricht), Opportunities for Collaboration in Quantum Computing
In this seminar, Prof Menica Dibenedetto will share an overview of quantum computing research and initiatives at her institution. Highlighting ongoing projects, recent advances, and areas of strategic interest, she aims to foster dialogue and identify opportunities for collaborative efforts with researchers at Stellenbosch University. This event provides an ideal platform to discuss common interests …
Mar 07
Quantum@SUN Researcher Shines at Premier Quantum Computing Conference
Representing Stellenbosch University and South Africa at the prestigious 28th International Conference on Quantum Information Processing (QIP), I recently had the privilege of showcasing our institution’s groundbreaking research in Quantum Neuromorphic Computing among the world’s leading quantum scientists and engineers. This year’s conference, hosted by Duke University and NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, …
Feb 19
Exploring Quantum Aspects of Gravitational Waves
Galaxies, planets, and black holes dominate our imagination of the Universe, yet some of the most intriguing processes unfold at the smallest scales. While gravity is typically associated with massive cosmic structures, could it also reveal quantum properties? Our Postdoc, Partha Nandi, and Bibhas Ranjan Majhi have explored this fascinating question, investigating whether gravitational waves—ripples …
Feb 13
Dr Yaseera Ismail: Reflections on the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
On the 4th and 5th of February, Quantum Physicists (Researchers), Ministers, and Industry Leaders convened at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025). Amongst the elites were Nobel Laureates Prof William Phillip, Prof Anne L’Huillier, and Prof Alain Aspect. I was honoured …
Feb 10
Welcome to new Master student Dhiya Dharampal
We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Dhiya Dharampal as our new Master’s student at Quantum@SUN, starting in February 2025. Dhiya holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Astronomy and Physics, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she graduated in 2023. In 2024, she completed her Honour’s degree in Physics at UKZN, where she did a …
Dec 17
Quantum@SUN Unconference 2023
Our research group recently held an unconference, which was a great success. We spent a whole day together, and every group member presented some interesting research questions. It was amazing to see the group’s diversity of topics and perspectives and how we all came together to share our ideas. The unconference format was new to …
Sep 07
Stellenbosch University to Host National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences
We are pleased to announce a milestone achievement for both Stellenbosch University and the broader South African scientific community. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have accepted Stellenbosch University’s bid to host the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). The Consortium and Leadership Led by Stellenbosch …
Aug 07
Hierarchical quantum circuit representations for neural architecture search
We are thrilled to announce that our latest paper, “Hierarchical Quantum Circuit Representations for Neural Architecture Search,” has just been published in the esteemed npj Quantum Information. Our work introduces an exciting paradigm by borrowing techniques from the field of Neural Architecture Search (NAS). In classical machine learning, NAS has automated neural network architecture design …
Jun 09
Italian honour for Prof Petruccione
Prof. Francesco Petruccione was recently awarded the title of Cavaliere della Stella d’Italia, a prestigious Italian honour.. The accolade, presented by the Italian ambassador on Italy’s Republic Day, recognizes Petruccione’s significant global contributions to theoretical physics. For the full press release, please follow this link.