Luke Trainor, a postdoctoral fellow in physics at the University of Otago, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship to further his research on quantum technologies. The Royal Society Te Apārangi has granted him a $820,000 Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, which will support his work over the next four years.
Dr. Trainor”s research focuses on “rare-earth-doped magnetically ordered crystals,” a topic that may sound complex to many. However, this area of study holds significant promise for revolutionizing computer systems, security frameworks, and networking technologies. His investigation centers on how these specially grown crystals, infused with rare earth elements like erbium and neodymium, can be utilized in optical quantum memory storage.
To achieve this, Dr. Trainor and his colleagues have demonstrated the potential of these crystals, which are cooled to temperatures lower than those found in outer space. By employing laser pulses, they can manipulate the rare earth elements within the crystals. “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 explained.
As part of his fellowship, Dr. Trainor will explore the optimal conditions for these crystals, aiming to enhance their functionality and pave the way for practical applications in quantum technology. He emphasized that this research is a vital step toward realizing the commercial potential of quantum innovations.
In addition to Dr. Trainor, several other researchers from the University of Otago received Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships. Dr. Alice-Roza Eruera”s research will delve into ancient viruses and their evolutionary significance for biotechnology and medicine. Dr. Rebecca French is set to investigate whether viruses carried by rats in New Zealand pose a risk of human outbreaks. Meanwhile, Dr. Caitlin Owen aims to create a more transparent and energy-efficient automated machine-learning system, and Dr. Wahineata Smith will study the experiences of Māori and Tongan families raising children with mixed heritages.
Moreover, Professor Neil Gemmell from Otago has also been recognized with a Royal Society Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowship worth $220,000. His research will focus on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and its critical roles in fertility, aging, and health, leveraging advanced genetic tools to deepen our understanding of how the mitochondrial genome influences various biological factors.
This fellowship program is designed to support emerging leaders in various scientific fields, fostering innovative research that could lead to significant advancements in technology and health.
