John van de Wetering

John van de Wetering is an active Assistant Professor at the Theoretical Computer Science group of the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), working in collaboration with the QuSoft research center. He joined the university in December 2022 after completing his PhD at Radboud University in 2020 and a postdoc position at Oxford University.

His research spans two primary domains: diagrammatic techniques in quantum computation (particularly ZX-calculus applications for quantum circuit optimization, classical simulation and verification) and quantum foundations where he explores the nature of quantum mechanics through algebraic and compositional methods. He is the co-creator of PyZX, an open-source optimizing quantum compiler, and has co-authored the book "Picturing Quantum Software" with Aleks Kissinger. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical quantum computing applications.

His publication record shows consistent high-impact output with multiple papers in Physical Review A, Quantum, and proceedings of major conferences like QPL. His recent work focuses on quantum circuit optimization, ZX-calculus completeness, and applications to quantum error correction. His research demonstrates a strong trajectory with publications extending into 2025.

• VENI grant recipient for quantum computing research

He currently supervises three PhD students (Lia Yeh, Sarah Li, and Marc Farreras) and has previously mentored numerous Master's and Bachelor's students whose work has led to publications. He serves as program director for the new Master in Quantum Computer Science at UvA and is an editor for the diamond open-access journal Quantum. His professional activities include developing educational resources like the ZX-calculus website and contributing to the ZX-calculus Wikipedia page.