Victor Galitski

Victor Galitski is a Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland and a Fellow of the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI). He holds two PhDs in applied mathematics and condensed matter physics, joined UMD in 2002 as a postdoc, and became a faculty member in 2005. His research focuses on theoretical physics and quantum information science, with notable contributions to quantum chaos, superconductivity, and topological materials. He co-founded Aspen Quantum Consulting and ScienceCast.org, and serves as an Honorary Professor at Monash University and an editor for Annals of Physics.

Galitski’s educational efforts include authoring 'Exploring Quantum Mechanics' (Oxford Press) and teaching a Coursera MOOC on quantum physics (enrolled by 200,000+ students). His research interests span quantum spin glasses, hydrodynamic turbulence, Floquet topological insulators, and cavity quantum electrodynamics. Over 20 former students and postdocs now hold academic or industry leadership roles.

Key scientific contributions include studies on Many-Body Quantum Chaos, quantum spin ice in Rydberg atom arrays, and the interplay of symmetry breaking in vertex models. His work frequently explores connections between quantum systems and machine learning, such as neural networks’ analogies to spin glass behavior.

Galitski’s affiliations include leadership roles in the Ultra-Quantum Matter Simons Collaboration, the Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation, and the Aspen Center for Physics. He has published extensively on topics like cavity-enhanced superconductivity and quantum ergodicity, with recent work addressing universal speed limits in quantum systems and interacting anomaly effects in thermal transport.