Dr. Trainor Secures $820,000 Fellowship for Quantum Crystal Research

Dr. Trainor, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Otago, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Society Te Apārangi Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship valued at $820,000 over four years. This funding will enable him to research innovative applications of crystals in the field of quantum memory storage, a technology poised to revolutionise computing, security, and networking.

Recognised for their potential to render current technologies obsolete, quantum technologies require the development of novel materials and the optimisation of their operational conditions. Dr. Trainor’s work specifically focuses on rare-earth-doped magnetically ordered crystals, incorporating elements such as erbium and neodymium. His team has demonstrated that these specially lab-grown crystals show significant promise for optical quantum memory applications, which could transform data storage methods.

Innovative Research Techniques

Dr. Trainor explained that the research involves cooling the crystals to temperatures lower than those found in outer space. By employing laser pulses, the elements within the crystals can be precisely controlled. “I have been using such crystals to store single particles of light — photons — and recall them, which could be used as part of a future quantum network,” he stated.

His ongoing exploration aims to characterise these crystals further, seeking to understand the ideal conditions under which they function optimally. According to Dr. Trainor, this research is a pivotal step toward the real-world application and commercialisation of quantum technologies.

Other Fellowship Recipients and Their Research

The Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships were also awarded to several other researchers at the University of Otago. Among them are Dr. Alice-Roza Eruera, who will investigate ancient viruses and their evolutionary pathways to explore potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Dr. Rebecca French will examine whether viruses carried by rats in New Zealand pose a risk of outbreaks in humans.

Dr. Caitlin Owen is set to develop a more transparent and energy-efficient system for automated machine learning, while Dr. Wahineata Smith will study the experiences of Māori and Tongan families raising children with dual heritages.

Additionally, Professor Neil Gemmell from Otago has received the Royal Society Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowship, worth $220,000. His research will focus on the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in fertility, ageing, and health, utilising advanced genetic tools. He noted, “This work will enhance our understanding of the mitochondrial genome’s sex-specific influence on fitness, behaviour, health, and ageing.”

Dr. Trainor’s fellowship represents a significant investment in the future of quantum technology research, with the potential to unlock groundbreaking advancements in various fields. The work being done at the University of Otago not only highlights the institution’s commitment to innovative research but also places it at the forefront of global scientific exploration.