Audience at a QEC25 talk, with Theory Group's Dr Georgia Nixon pictured at centre-right
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Quantum Theory Group showcases research excellence at QEC25

Group photo of QEC 2025 attendees, taken in the Yale Peabody Museum
Audience at a QEC25 talk, with Theory Group’s Dr Georgia Nixon pictured centre-right
Theory Group’s Prof Stephen Bartlett (centre)
Group photo of QEC25 attendees, taken in the Yale Peabody Museum
Theory Group’s Dr Robin-Harper (centre-right) and Iceberg cofounder and Theory Group alumni, Dr Felix Thomsen (left)
Conference attendees pictured at the reception in the Yale Peabody Museum
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In August 2025, members of the Quantum Theory Group participated in the 7th International Conference on Quantum Error Correction (QEC25) — a major biennial event focused on advances in both the experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum error correction. Previously hosted by the Quantum Theory Group in Sydney in 2023, this year’s conference was organised by the Yale Quantum Institute in New Haven, Connecticut.

Among those attending QEC25 were Theory Group’s Prof Stephen Bartlett, Dr Robin Harper, Dr Campbell McLauchlan and Dr Georgia Nixon, with Prof Bartlett also serving as Chair of the conference’s Steering Committee. While in-person attendance was limited, the Theory Group’s research had a strong showing in the program. Several submissions were accepted in what was a highly competitive review process, with only ~40% of poster submissions and ~13% of talk submissions selected — underscoring the strength and visibility of the Group’s contributions.

Dr Dominic Williamson was co-author on three accepted talks:

Dr Campbell McLauchlan was co-author on one accepted talk:

And the Theory Group had four posters accepted:

In addition to the main program, a number of satellite events and affiliated talks were hosted at the Yale Quantum Institute, where Dr Robin Harper and Dr Campbell McLauchlan were invited to present their recent research. Dr Harper spoke on his paper “Characterising the failure mechanisms of error-corrected quantum logic gates”, co-authored with several Theory Group colleagues. Dr McLauchlan presented work from his paper, “Tailoring dynamical codes for biased noise”.

The conference also provided an opportunity to reconnect with Theory Group alumni, whose continued contributions reflect the Theory Group’s broader influence across the quantum research landscape. Former member Dr Thomas Smith, now a Postdoctoral Researcher at Yale, was part of the organising team for QEC25. Iceberg Quantum — founded by Theory Group alumnus — was an event sponsor and maintained a visible presence with its own booth. QCtrl, led by Prof Michael Biercuk, also sponsored the event. These connections speak to the strength of the Quantum Science Group’s research culture, with former members actively shaping the field through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

Taken together, the Theory Group’s strong showing at QEC25 affirms its research excellence and standing in the global quantum science community. From accepted talks and posters, invited presentations, leadership roles in conference organisation and alumni impact, the Theory Group continues to play a leading role in advancing quantum error correction and theoretical quantum science.