Karen Kheruntsyan

Karen Kheruntsyan is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Queensland's School of Mathematics and Physics. With a career spanning over 25 years at UQ, he progressed from postdoctoral researcher to full professor, holding key roles including ARC Future Fellow and Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics. His research explores fundamental quantum phenomena in ultracold matter, with current focus on quantum thermodynamics, hydrodynamic modeling of quantum gases, and macroscopic quantum entanglement.

Professor Kheruntsyan's research interests center on:

• Quantum thermodynamics of nanoscale heat engines
• Stochastic hydrodynamic approaches to non-equilibrium quantum dynamics
• Emergent phenomena in mesoscopic quantum transport
• Bell inequality tests with ultracold atomic systems

His work bridges theoretical physics with experimental quantum science, particularly in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates and degenerate Fermi gases.

His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on quantum thermodynamics (50% of 2020-2025 papers) and hydrodynamic modeling of 1D quantum gases (30%), with applications in quantum engine design, entanglement verification, and non-equilibrium dynamics. The research consistently combines mathematical rigor with experimental testability, featuring high-impact results in Physical Review Letters and Nature-family journals.

Professor Kheruntsyan actively mentors graduate researchers, with current projects including quantum hydrodynamics and ultracold gas thermodynamics. He has secured continuous ARC funding since 2003, including Discovery Projects and Fellowships totaling over $3M. His laboratory activities involve theoretical and computational work, with strong ties to experimental quantum gas groups worldwide.