News: Quantum

Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

Accolades

Two UT Physicists Receive Department of Energy Early Career Research Awards

Quantum theorist Junyeong Ahn and plasma scientist Joshua Burby will study superconducting and fusion challenges.

Headshots of two male scientists

Accolades

Jia Leo Li Selected as a 2026 Moore Foundation Experimental Physics Investigator

Selected among only 21 scientists nationwide, Li will be exploring quantum phenomena in atomically thin materials.

A scientist wearing an orange shirt bends over to look at a piece of scientific equipment

UT News

As ‘2nd Quantum Revolution’ Arrives, UT Researchers Stand Ready

Elaine Li and others are using quantum insights to solve big problems and training the next generation.

Two female scientists stand in front of a display about quantum science. Photo by Eileen Chong.

Features

UT’s Mark Raizen on Quantum Mechanics and the Future of Medicine

Researchers at Raizen’s UT lab are searching for new possibilities in health and medicine linked to quantum mechanics.

Two scientists wearing eye protection stand in a lab before some laser equipment, as one gestures at the device.

Research

Inside UT’s Quantum Ecosystem: From Breakthroughs to Possibilities

The University of Texas at Austin is charging ahead with quantum innovations, built on a history of quantum science leadership.

Three scientists in PPE work in a laser facility.

Accolades

Allan MacDonald Wins Kavli Prize in Nanoscience

MacDonald and two colleagues were honored for “foundational work that established the field of twistronics.”

Portrait of a man with white hair and short cropped beard, wearing glasses and a dark shirt.

Accolades

UT Austin Computer Scientist Elected to National Academy of Sciences

Scott Aaronson, a renowned quantum computing expert, joins the country’s most prestigious scientific organization.

Portrait of a scientist with glasses. In the background is a computer integrated circuit board.

UT News

5 Questions for Edoardo Baldini

The award-winning physicist discusses his quantum materials research, what inspires his work and how it could impact the future.

A man stands at a podium addressing an audience. The University seal and an award are on display.

Research

Physicists Discover Long-Predicted ‘Clock Magnetism’ in an Atomically Thin Crystal

Observation of BKT and six-state clock phases reveals how magnetism behaves in two dimensions and may inspire ultracompact technologies.

A grid of dots represents atoms arranged in a thin sheet. Within this grid are two swirling features, one blue and the other orange.

Features

Microplastics in the Sand: Beach Combing Goes High Tech

A UT chemist says it is now time to develop tests for microplastics, similar to tests for other toxic threats.

A toaster-sized robot sits on a table with and mechanical arm hovering over a dish of sand. A bluish light points onto a spot on the sand for analysis.