Joachim Ankerhold

Joachim Ankerhold is a Full Professor of Theoretical Physics and Director of the Institute for Complex Quantum Systems at Ulm University. He has held leadership roles including Vice President for Research (2015–2022), Speaker of the Humboldt Center for Philosophy, and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (2012–2015). His academic activities span national and international initiatives such as Co-Director of the Carl Zeiss Foundation Center for Quantum Photonics (QPhoton) and Academic Speaker of Quantum BW, a Baden-Württemberg initiative.

Education: PhD in Theoretical Physics (summa cum laude) from the University of Essen (1994), with a diploma in Physics and Philosophy from Marburg and Bonn Universities. His research focuses on quantum dissipation, superconductivity, quantum thermodynamics, and quantum biology, particularly the role of quantum effects in DNA dynamics.

Research Interests:

• Non-equilibrium quantum dynamics in mesoscopic systems
• Superconducting qubits and Josephson junctions
• Quantum noise and decoherence control
• Biophysical applications of quantum charge transfer

Awards: Notable honors include the Golden Chalk Teaching Award (2023), Harris Distinguished Professorship (2014), and Heisenberg Professorship (2004–2007). His work bridges fundamental physics with applied quantum technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Grants & Leadership: Founded QT.BW (Quantum Technology Network Baden-Württemberg), led IQST (Integrated Quantum Science and Technology), and chairs German-French collaborations on quantum electrodynamics.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Institute for Complex Quantum Systems, focusing on quantum photonics, low-temperature physics, and quantum material interfaces.