At Hartford College we applaud ground-breaking achievements in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). An education with a Liberal Arts emphasis adds meaning to the wonderful exploratory world of Science.

Nearby University of New South Wales provides many examples and a wealth of inspiring career paths for our students.

A recent break-through that was widely reported has excited us in the area of quantum computing.

Matt Donnelly, former resident of Warrane College, UNSW, undertook his Honours research project with Professor Michelle Simmons, Faculty of Science, in his final year of undergraduate studies. He was enthused by the work being done in quantum computing, particularly the ability to control the position of atoms in a silicon lattice with sub-nanometre precision to form the basic building blocks of a quantum computer. In the final few weeks of his residency at Warrane, he began his PhD with Professor Simmons and submitted his thesis in May 2022. He is now working for Silicon Quantum Computing, a UNSW-based quantum computing start-up.

The field of quantum computing is presently in the NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era, where the devices are able to tackle problems within the limitations of current technology. The technology includes the simulation of atomic and molecular systems that are too complex to be modelled with classical computers. These simulations are useful for both scientific and industrial applications, such as in the development and understanding of high-temperature superconducting materials. The ultimate goal of the field beyond the NISQ era, universal quantum computation, promises to deliver more wide-ranging solutions in fields such as cyber security, communication technology, battery research, and industrial chemistry.

At Hartford College we celebrate the integration of the Liberal Arts and Science, and congratulate Matt Donnelly, and his peers, for this outstanding achievement.

If you would like to learn more please click on the links below

https://sqc.com.au/2022/06/23/silicon-quantum-computing-creates-the-worlds-first-quantum-integrated-circuit-at-the-atomic-length-scale/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04706-0