On 17 November, Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern, theoretical physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), fellow of the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Maryland, will give a talk as part of the CERN QTI lecture series.  

Launched in March 2023, the CERN QTI lecture programme aims to increase awareness and understanding of the recent developments, opportunities, and challenges in various areas of quantum research. It welcomes both emerging and established researchers to jointly unlock the full potential of quantum technologies and provide new insights into the rapidly evolving field of quantum science. Guest speakers showcase their work, share knowledge and skills and exchange new ideas and practices, thus helping to shape the quantum expertise of tomorrow.

In her upcoming talk, Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern will explore a new branch of science – quantum thermodynamics – through the lens of steampunk. Holder of the International Quantum Technology Emerging Researcher Award, the US ASPIRE Prize and the Mary Somerville Medal, and author of the award-winning book Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday's Tomorrow, she will present an overview of how quantum information theory can revolutionise thermodynamics and the way we understand computation, cryptography and measurement.

If you are interested in the interplay of quantum physics, information theory and thermodynamics or if you would like to see how steampunk blends inventions of the past with futuristic technology — save the date now!

Free and open to all, the lecture will be held in hybrid format: physically at CERN (the IT Amphitheatre) and online via a webcast. There will also be a Zoom link available to those with a valid Indico account.

For full details, visit: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1336271/

*Please note that one day before the lecture, on 16 November, Dr Halpern will give a public talk at the Sparks! Future Quantum event, held at the CERN Science Gateway. To find out more, check the Sparks! website at: https://sparks.cern/. You can also read an interview of Dr Nicole Yunger Halpern here: https://sparks.cern/yunger-halpern-nicole.