Michael Gullans is an internationally recognized researcher leading the effort to turn noisy intermediate-scale quantum information processing into practical quantum computing.
Established in 1948, the Flemming Awards honor outstanding federal employees. Recognized by the president of the United States, agency heads and the private sector, the winners are selected from all areas of the federal service.
Dr. Gullans developed a deep theoretical understanding of the control and dynamics of complex quantum systems and applied this understanding to the operation of experimental quantum systems, such as cold atoms, trapped ions, and dopants in silicon and semiconductor spin qubits, which will be the components of practical quantum computers. This work required the invention of new, foundational connections among the physics of quantum systems, the operation of quantum information processing, and the dynamics and realization of error correction in quantum codes. At the same time, Dr. Gullans expanded and strengthened the quantum research community by starting international conferences and holding workshops for the experts to accelerate progress towards practical quantum computing. Through his teaching he has ensured that the new quantum workforce will have the understanding to address the challenges of implementing quantum computing.