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

A researcher from the University of Otago has been awarded a prestigious fellowship to advance the field of quantum technology. Dr. Trainor, a postdoctoral fellow in physics, received the Royal Society Te Apārangi Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship worth $820,000 over the next four years. This funding will support his investigation into the use of crystals for quantum memory storage.

Dr. Trainor’s research focuses on the potential of specially lab-grown crystals that incorporate trace amounts of rare earth elements, such as erbium and neodymium. These rare-earth-doped magnetically ordered crystals have shown promise for applications in optical quantum memory, a technology that could revolutionise data storage.

In his experiments, Dr. Trainor cools the crystals to temperatures lower than those found in outer space, using laser pulses to manipulate the elements within. He stated, “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.” This research represents a significant step towards the practical application and commercialisation of quantum technologies.

Broader Fellowship Awards

Dr. Trainor is not alone in his achievements. Fellow researchers at the University of Otago also received Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowships. Dr. Alice-Roza Eruera will study ancient viruses and their evolutionary pathways to explore their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Meanwhile, Dr. Rebecca French plans to investigate whether rat-borne viruses in New Zealand pose a risk of outbreaks in humans.

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

In another notable achievement, Prof. Neil Gemmell from the University of Otago was awarded a Royal Society Mana Tūārangi Distinguished Researcher Fellowship worth $220,000. He plans to investigate the critical role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in areas such as fertility, aging, and health, employing the latest genetic tools. Prof. Gemmell remarked, “This work will enhance our understanding of the mitochondrial genome’s sex-specific influence on fitness, behaviour, health, and aging.”

These fellowships reflect a commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation at the University of Otago, highlighting the institution’s role in shaping the future of various fields through pioneering research.