Dr. Beata Zjawin from the International Center for Theory of Quantum Technologies at the University of Gdańsk has been awarded the prestigious START scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), recognizing her as one of the 100 most talented young scientists in Poland. Her work focuses on fundamental questions in quantum mechanics and the mathematical principles that define quantum phenomena.
“Quantum mechanics poses a lot of fundamental questions: why does it work the way it does, and what do specific measurement results of quantum systems come from? This great unknown attracted me to this field,” says Dr. Zjawin.
From Dark Matter to Quantum Theory
Dr. Zjawin’s academic journey began at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, where she studied optical atomic clocks, devices so precise they can be used to investigate phenomena such as dark matter. Collaborating with Prof. Piotr Wcisło, she worked on projects that utilized atomic clocks to search for dark matter signatures, combining astrophysics and experimental physics.
Her research path later took her to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada, where she deepened her expertise in quantum mechanics, followed by doctoral studies at the University of Gdańsk under Prof. Ana Belén Sainz. Her PhD research combined quantum mechanics and causality, exploring how events influence each other in quantum systems using advanced mathematical frameworks.
Innovative Approach to Quantum Causality
By applying resource theory—a mathematical formalism used to classify quantum phenomena—Dr. Zjawin and her team developed new ways to measure “how quantum” a phenomenon is and assess its potential usefulness for quantum technologies. Her current focus includes implementing these theoretical results on quantum computers, bridging the gap between abstract mathematics and experimental applications.
“Approaching quantum mechanics from the causality side has allowed us to look at quantum protocols from a completely new perspective,” she explains.
Towards Future Applications
Now based at the International Center for Theory of Quantum Technologies, Dr. Zjawin continues to expand her research, aiming to develop practical tools for quantum computing. She emphasizes that while quantum computers remain experimental, they hold transformative potential for technology and science.
Beyond her academic work, Dr. Zjawin is an avid climber and cyclist, often exploring the Tri-City Landscape Park. She believes a good scientist must remain open-minded, collaborative, and unafraid to ask questions: “Today, innovative projects require many minds from diverse fields to succeed.”
Her recognition in the FNP START programme highlights not only her individual achievements but also Poland’s growing presence in cutting-edge quantum research.
Source: University of Gdańsk
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