Prof. Artur Ekert is one of the pioneers of quantum information science. His invention of entanglement-based quantum cryptography has linked the foundational concepts of quantum theory with the study of secure communication. This has sparked a surge in global research efforts and continues to inspire new research directions. Along with his notable discovery that Bell’s inequalities can be employed to detect eavesdropping, Ekert has made numerous significant contributions to the foundational understanding and experimental implementations of quantum communication and computation. His leadership and pioneering work have been instrumental in transforming the field of quantum information science from a niche academic activity into a vibrant interdisciplinary field.
Ekert is the Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford, and a Distinguished Professor at the National University of Singapore. He played a crucial role in establishing the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore, serving as its founding Director.
His expert knowledge has been invaluable to numerous companies and government agencies, with whom he has actively collaborated and provided counsel.
Ekert’s contributions to the field have been lauded with several prestigious awards, including the 1995 Maxwell Medal and Prize from the Institute of Physics, the 2007 Royal Society Hughes Medal, the 2019 Micius Prize, and the 2024 Royal Society Milner Award. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Beyond academia, Ekert is a passionate scuba diving instructor and pilot.
