Ben Sparkes

Ben Sparkes is a Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, affiliated with the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. His work focuses on quantum technology development for next-generation computing and secure communications.

Educational background:

• PhD in Physics, Australian National University (2013)

Research interests span quantum information storage/manipulation, cold atom electron/ion sources for ultra-fast biological imaging, and sub-nanometer fabrication. Current DECRA-funded work develops fibre-based quantum networks for secure communications infrastructure.

Key recognitions:

• McKenzie Fellowship for novel electron source development
• ARC DECRA Fellowship for quantum network research
• 2018 SA Tall Poppy Award for science outreach leadership

Dr. Sparkes leads ARC-funded quantum technology projects and supervises graduate students. He actively participates in public engagement through the Amazing University of Adelaide Laser Radio program and presented at the 2019 Research Tuesday seminar on quantum mechanics' societal impact.

He contributes to the Precision Measurement Group's mission of advancing quantum sensing technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration with South Australia's Department for Industry and Skills.