19 February 2025

Barbara Kraus Appointed as New Co-Spokesperson of the MCQST Excellence Cluster

In January 2025 at the MCQST General Assembly, Barbara Kraus was elected as the new co-spokesperson of the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST). She is succeeding Rudolf Gross, who served in this role for more than six years.

Barbara Kraus studied mathematics and physics at the University of Innsbruck, where she obtained her PhD from the Institute for Theoretical Physics in 2003. Following research positions at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics and the University of Geneva, she became a professor at the University of Innsbruck in 2010. Since January 2023, she has been leading the Chair of Quantum Algorithms and Applications (endowed by BMW) at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and is since then a member of MCQST.

Her research focuses on identifying new and practical applications in quantum information processing as well as on the verification of quantum processors. As an inherently interdisciplinary field, quantum information theory bridges mathematics, computer science, and experimental physics — an approach that aligns seamlessly with the collaborative environment of the cluster. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the START Prize and the Ignaz L. Lieben Prize.

As the designated co-speaker for the cluster’s second funding phase, Barbara Kraus has already played a pivotal role in drafting the research proposal and defining the strategic objectives for the cluster’s renewal within the framework of the DFG Excellence Strategy.

Barbara Kraus is now officially taking over her role as co-spokesperson of the cluster, alongside Immanuel Bloch (LMU München) and Ignacio Cirac (MPQ).

"It is a great honor for me to be part of MCQST, which is not only a scientifically wonderful and very successful cluster of excellence, but also provides a fantastic working environment for the QST community in Munich and beyond." says Prof. Kraus.

A Big “Thank You” to Rudolf Gross

MCQST sincerely thanks Rudolf Gross, TUM Professor and Director of the Walther Meißner Institute of the BAdW, for his outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and guidance over the past years. He has been a key figure in building and shaping the Munich quantum community for decades. While stepping down as co-spokesperson, he remains an active member of the cluster and the community. We are deeply grateful for his ongoing commitment to advancing excellent science, promoting talents, teaching and mentoring early career-researchers, fostering strategic partnerships, and enriching our scientific community.