Distinguished Lecturer Series

The Yale Quantum Institute Distinguished Lecturer recognizes a researcher whose work significantly advances quantum science, with emphasis on the areas of mesoscopic physics, nanoscience, quantum information, quantum computing and related theoretical and mathematical topics.

Annually, a YQI Distinguished Lecturer will be invited to visit the Yale Quantum Institute with a $1000 honorarium to deliver a lecture about a specific research result of great significance or a body of important work which has advanced our understanding in one or several sub-fields of quantum science. The Lecture is often given during Quantum Week at Yale for achievements the year before. 

Candidates eligible for the title of YQI Distinguished Lecturer must be within 12 years of receiving their PhD. All travel and accommodation costs will be covered by YQI in addition to the honorarium.

  • 2024 - Monika Schleier-Smith - Stanford University

    In recognition of her groundbreaking work on advancing optical control of interactions among laser-cooled atoms. 

  • 2023 - Jeff Thompson - Princeton

    In recognition of his pioneering work on quantum operations in Rydberg atom arrays and rare earth ions in solid state hosts, and new approaches to quantum error correction.

  • 2022 - Emmanuel Flurin - CEA France

    In recognition of his groundbreaking work on the detection of single electron spin resonance using a microwave photomultiplier based on circuit quantum electrodynamics. 

  • 2021 - Nathan Wiebe - University of Toronto

    In recognition of his groundbreaking work in theoretical quantum computer science

  • 2020 - Kang-Kuen Ni - Harvard University

    In recognition of her groundbreaking work on the chemical and physical interactions of ultra-cold molecules

  • 2019 - Nathalie de Leon - Princeton

    In recognition of her groundbreaking work on color centers and quantum networks

  • 2018 - Max Hofheinz - Institut Quantique de Sherbrooke

    In recognition of his groundbreaking work on circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum limited amplifiers

  • 2017 - Tobias Kippenberg - École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

    In recognition of his groundbreaking work in quantum opto- and electro-mechanics