Simon Devitt

Professor Simon Devitt is Research Director of the Centre for Quantum Software and Information (QSI) at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Computer Science. He also holds several prestigious international appointments including InstituteQ Visiting Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technologies at Aalto University, Finland, and visiting positions at RIKEN in Japan. As a leading figure in quantum computing research, he directs the Australian Quantum Software Network and co-founded quantum education startup Eigensystems Pty Ltd.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Physics from University of Melbourne (2004-2007)
• BSc (Hons) in Physics from University of Melbourne (2000-2003)

Professor Devitt's research spans quantum software, quantum architecture, and quantum error correction, with a focus on making quantum computing practical at scale. His work addresses fundamental challenges in quantum computing architecture when scaled to millions or billions of qubits. He has pioneered approaches to quantum error correction, resource estimation, and quantum network design, particularly through his leadership of the Quantum Technology at Scale (QTS) research group. His research bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementation challenges, aiming to shape the evolution of quantum technology over the coming decades.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical quantum computing challenges, with particular emphasis on error correction techniques, resource estimation, and quantum architecture. A significant portion of his work addresses the surface code and its variants, exploring ways to optimize qubit usage and error rates. He has also made important contributions to quantum networking, particularly through the concept of "quantum sneakernet," and to quantum education and standardization efforts that will be critical for the emerging quantum industry.

His notable awards and recognitions include:

• Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics
• Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales
• Warren Prize from the Royal Society of NSW
• InstituteQ Visiting Chair of Excellence in Quantum Technology

Professor Devitt actively mentors numerous PhD students, postdocs, and researchers through his Quantum Technology at Scale group. His research is supported by significant funding from diverse sources including Google Academic Research Awards, Sydney Quantum Academy, DARPA, and the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science. He has led projects on quantum sneakernet networks, quantum algorithm benchmarking frameworks, and quantum software tools that address critical challenges in the field.

He leads the Quantum Technology at Scale (QTS) research group at UTS, which focuses on the design and architectural challenges of quantum computing and communications technology at scale. The group includes researchers working on quantum computing architectures, quantum networking (Rottnest Quantum Sneakernet project), and quantum software (Quokka project). The team collaborates extensively with international partners including Aalto University in Finland, University of New South Wales, Keio University in Japan, and industry leaders like Rigetti Computing.