Nicolas Franco

Nicolas Franco is a Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Namur (2022–present) and scientific collaborator at Hasselt University's Data Science Institute. His expertise spans mathematical modeling of COVID-19, noncommutative geometry applications in physics, and quantum computing. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at Hasselt University (2020–2022), University of Namur (2015–2022), Jagiellonian University (2014–2015), and Copernicus Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (2012–2014).

Education

• Doctor of Science: Lorentzian approach to noncommutative geometry (University of Namur, 2011)
• Master's in Mathematics (University of Namur, 2006)
• Bachelor of Music: Piano & Chamber Music (Royal Conservatory of Mons, 2003)

Research Focus

Franco's research integrates mathematical physics with practical applications. His primary domains include:

• Epidemiological Modeling: Long-term COVID-19 forecasting for the European CDC and Belgian government
• Quantum Structures: Causality in noncommutative geometries, κ-Minkowski spacetime constraints
• Quantum Computing: Robust quantum machine learning, qubit-efficient optimization

Publication Trends

Recent works demonstrate a shift toward quantum computing applications (2021–2024), focusing on optimization robustness and security in quantum neural networks. Earlier foundational contributions (2011–2017) established frameworks for Lorentzian distance formulas and causal structures in noncommutative geometry.

Awards & Recognition

• Namur Resident of the Year - Science Category (2020)
• Multiple Belgian Mathematical Olympiad prizes (1996–2001)
• International math competition awards (FFJM)

Professional Activities

• Member: European COVID-19 Scenario Hub (ECDC), RESTORE Consortium
• Consultant: Belgian federal government pandemic response
• Reviewer: Physical Review Letters, PLOS Computational Biology, etc.