Dr. Trainor Receives $820,000 Fellowship for Quantum Research

Dr. Trainor, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Otago, has been awarded a prestigious Royal Society Te Apārangi Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship worth $820,000 over four years. This funding will support his groundbreaking research into the use of crystals for quantum memory storage, a technology that could revolutionise computing, security, and networking.

Advancing Quantum Technology

Dr. Trainor’s research focuses on the development of novel materials and the optimisation of conditions necessary for integrating crystal technology into mainstream applications. His team has demonstrated that specially lab-grown crystals, which contain small amounts of rare earth elements such as erbium and neodymium, show significant potential for optical quantum memory storage.

These crystals are cooled to temperatures colder than outer space, and laser pulses are employed to manipulate the elements within them. Dr. Trainor explained, “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.” His ongoing work aims to explore and characterise these crystals to determine the optimal conditions for their performance, marking an important milestone in the practical application and commercialisation of quantum technologies.

Supporting Fellow Researchers

The Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships also recognise other notable researchers at the University of Otago. Dr. Alice-Roza Eruera will study ancient viruses and their evolution to examine their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Dr. Rebecca French aims to investigate whether viruses carried by rats in New Zealand could pose outbreak risks to humans.

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

In parallel, Prof. Neil Gemmell has been awarded a Royal Society Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowship valued at $220,000. His research will delve into the critical role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in fertility, ageing, and health, utilising the latest genetic tools. He stated, “This work will enhance our understanding of the mitochondrial genome’s sex-specific influence on fitness, behaviour, health, and ageing.”

These initiatives underscore the University of Otago’s commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation, paving the way for significant contributions to various fields, including quantum technology, biotechnology, and health sciences.