Quantum computing in materials and molecular sciences

Professor in Quantum Technology at the University of Strathclyde. Physicist bringing together computational scientists and engineers with quantum computing experts to develop practical quantum algorithms. Known for work on quantum version of random walks and their applications to quantum annealing and quantum optimisation problems. Leads the Collaborative Computational Project on Quantum Computing (CCP-QC) and is Theme co-lead for applications in the quantum technology Hub for Quantum Computing via Integrated and Interconnected Implementations (QCI3).

Alin Marin Elena is a computational scientist at Science and Technology Facilities Council, Scientific Computing Department based at Daresbury Laboratory where he leads Data-Driven Materials and Molecular Sciences Group. AME studied physics at University of Bucharest, Romania and completed a PhD at University College Dublin, Ireland in 2013. AME has a keen interest in new technologies for enhancing modelling of materials and molecules such as quantum computing and machine learning. AME is interested in quantum computing algorithms that can be employed in materials science on NISQ hardware. Additionally AME's research focuses on using machine learning, especially inter-atomic potentials for modelling porous materials as metal organic frameworks.

Richard Catlow’s scientific programme develops and applies computer models to solid state and materials chemistry - areas of chemistry that investigate the synthesis, structure and properties of functional materials. His approach applies powerful computational methods with experiment, to contribute to areas as diverse as catalysis and mineralogy. His approach has also advanced our understanding of how defects in the atomic level structure of solids can play a key role in modifying their electronic, chemical and mechanical properties.

His work has offered insight into the behaviour of nuclear fuels under irradiation and to the molecular mechanisms underlying industrial catalysis, especially involving microporous materials and metal oxides, in structural chemistry and mineralogy. Simulation methods are now routinely used to predict the structures of complex solid materials.

His work has been extensively published and cited with over 1000 research articles and several books and reviews.

He has worked extensively on collaborative projects with the developing world, especially in Africa, and was elected Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society - the Academy of Sciences of the UK - in 2016.