VISITING
Jürgen Mlynek to receive honorary doctorate German physicist Jürgen Mlynek leads one of the most determined research and innovation initiatives of the European Union: the Quantum Flagship. Mlynek is widely acknowledged for his groundbreaking research in atom optics, quantum optics and molecular physics. Text Panu Räty Photo Falling Walls Foundation
You have made an exceptional contribution in the field of quantum physics, and now you will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Aalto University. What would you consider your most valued accomplishment in your career? My main accomplishment in science is probably my work in atom optics and building the first atom interferometer. Atom interferometers can be used to measure gravitation and to monitor sea level changes. They can also be used for ground exploration, finding new gas resources, oil resources, and so forth. For me, this is a wonderful example, where basic research and applications can come together for the benefit of society. The other aspect of my scientific life is the education of young people. More than thirty of my former students have become professors all over the world and are working in leading positions in science management and the industry. It is just wonderful to see, how these young people, that I’ve helped to find their way, developed to be better than I am. Quantum technology is no longer in the realm of science fiction. How would you describe the potential impact of quantum devices and applications on our daily lives? I must say, I’ve been surprised by the momentum, that quantum technology has had over the last 5 to 10 years. In respect to the first experiments, it wasn’t clear that it might lead to some real technology. And now we have companies, that create quantum cryptography systems, quantum key distribution devices, and so on. So, we’ve stepped from labs to startups and even aroused the interests of big companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM. I think the real game-changer in quantum technologies is quantum computing with quantum communication. Quantum computing is a paradigm shift, 54 / AALTO UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE 30
and that’s why companies and states are investing heavily in that. How long will it take for these technologies to reach widespread adoption? I would say 5 to 10 years. There are many use cases around, but the problem now is to set up hardware systems that can do it. The challenge is to set up systems that can be used for solving problems in materials research, chemistry or drug development. However, there are startups in all these areas that are heavily backed by venture capital—and that’s fantastic. Progress in quantum technology and related technologies has seen a significant acceleration in terms of research and development. What might be the next big scientific breakthrough or a major milestone? I believe that in the next decade quantum computing will be applied with high-performance computing and neuromorphic computing. The other aspect is people. If you look at the billions of euros that are invested in quantum technology right now, a lot of that money will go into hiring scientists. It means, that we must develop new curricula for quantum engineering and train people, who are then able to support the industry. What might be the competitive advantage of Finland in the research and development of quantum technology? I’ve always said that science in Finland is done in a very pragmatic, hands-on way. This is your strength. From what I’ve seen of the startup activities and contributions in scientific journals, Finland is performing very well.
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Aalto University will celebrate two Ceremonial Conferments in 2022. The School of Business’ Conferment on 12–14 May will confer ten new honorary doctors. The schools of technology will hold their Conferment on 17 June with another ten new honorary doctors, one of whom is Jürgen Mlynek.