At the helm of the Dodd-Walls Centre, Professor Vanholsbeeck plays a pivotal role in advancing photonics and quantum technology in New Zealand.
25/9/2024
As the world braces for a second quantum revolution, New Zealand stands at the forefront of this global shift, thanks to the groundbreaking work of the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.
Under the leadership of Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck, the Centre is not only pushing the boundaries of scientific research but also ensuring that the benefits of this technology reach all corners of society.
In this exclusive interview, Professor Vanholsbeeck shares insights into the Centre’s strategic vision, the challenges ahead, and the profound impact of its work on New Zealand and beyond.
Shaping the future of photonics and quantum technologies
At the helm of the Dodd-Walls Centre, Professor Vanholsbeeck plays a pivotal role in advancing photonics and quantum technology in New Zealand. The Centre, one of the country’s ten Centres of Research Excellence, brings together over 60 investigators, 100 students, and 40 to 50 research fellows.
“We’ve developed a comprehensive research programme focusing on photonics—the science of light – and its particles,” Vanholsbeeck explained.
This research excellence is complemented by partnerships with museums and an outreach team dedicated to engaging underserved communities, ensuring that the Centre’s work benefits a broad spectrum of society.
The Dodd-Walls Centre operates as an ecosystem, transitioning from fundamental science to real-world applications.
“Our good relationship with industry ensures that our research can be mobilised into products,” she said.
This collaborative approach, combined with the Centre’s robust outreach programs, is essential in shaping the future of photonics and quantum technologies.
