Robert Raussendorf was a postdoctoral researcher at Perimeter Institute. Now he is a Professor of Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, where he has assumed the Humboldt Professorship in the Institute of Theoretical Physics.
Perimeter Institute alumni have gone on to a wide variety of roles after leaving the Institute. After 15 years at the University of British Columbia, Robert Raussendorf is now a professor at Leibniz University Hannover, where he continues to push the boundaries of quantum computers. We reached out to Robert to learn more about his journey.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
What is your current role, and how are you trying to push boundaries in your field?
I am a Professor of Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, and the Humboldt Professor. I have pushed the boundaries of my field, the theory of quantum computation, through my ideas related to measurement-based quantum computation, the fault-tolerant version thereof based on 3D cluster states, a universal phase of quantum matter, and, accidentally, a hidden variable model that describes universal quantum computation.
What are you passionate about?
I'm the father of three children. I try to improve my badminton play from dad-level to general university sports-level – it’s a work in progress. I like to draw and paint, photography, and hiking.
How has your work impacted your industry and community?
Through science! In the words of P. Walther, A. Zeilinger et al. (Nature 434,:169-76, 2005):
“Standard quantum computation is based on sequences of unitary quantum logic gates that process qubits. The one-way quantum computer proposed by Raussendorf and Briegel is entirely different. It has changed our understanding of the requirements for quantum computation and more generally how we think about quantum physics.”
How do you give back to your community?
Through mentoring and team communication during the work process. Making things together is the best part of physics: the unexpected twist and turns, the struggles and their resolutions. And to see the students grow.