ML4Q&A - from the lives of quantum physicists

• 25. From PhD into the quantum industry: Michaela Eichinger

  Michaela Eichinger, Product Solutions Physicist at Quantum Machines and quantum content creator, joins Mira and Chris on ML4Q&A to discuss her journey from academic research to working in a deep-tech startup. She is representative of a generation of PhD students and postdocs from labs working on qubit technologies that join the emerging quantum industry. Her PhD work focused on gatemons and stencil-based nanofabrication of superconducting qubits at the Niels Bohr Institute. Now she works at Quantum Machines, a company developing control electronics for quantum computers that aims to provide hardware capable of meeting the demands of fault-tolerant quantum architectures. In this episode, Michaela reflects on the 2025 Nobel Prize, talks about cleanroom and measurement challenges during her PhD, and compares writing papers with writing patents. She explains her role at Quantum Machines and the company’s mission to harness FPGAs—the key electronic component—to control qubits on nanosecond timescales. In addition to synthesizing control pulses and processing readout signals, intricate classical computations must be performed in real time, for example to track qubit errors to correct them on the fly. Despite growing sophistication these advanced electronic products must remain easy to deploy. She also discusses the importance of science communication, which led her to launch a newsletter to help educate a broad audience about the latest breakthroughs and explain key ideas in quantum computing. Whether you are an aspiring quantum researcher or simply curious about the state of the quantum industry, this episode conveys the excitement of living on this technological frontier.

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• 24. Jens Eisert on joining ML4Q, frontiers in quantum information and teaching

  Jens Eisert joins ML4Q as a member for the next funding period which was granted around the time Chris and Mira recorded this Episode with him. So naturally, they discuss the German Excellence Initiative and how joining ML4Q was a natural step for Jens, given he has many previous and ongoing collaborations with other ML4Q members. Jens shares his insights on various aspects of quantum information processing such as benchmarking and no-go theorems, his recent white paper on AI and quantum computing, quantum error correction, complexity and pseudo chaos. Ultimately Jens makes a convincing case that quantum computers remain fascinating "even if you confine yourself to saying things that are true". He reflects on the unwritten rules of academia, teaching and inspiring students, and his approach to finding research topics by looking for "cultural gaps" between fields.

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• 23. Photonic Quantum Computing: Christine Silberhorn

  In this episode of ML4Q&A, host Mira Sharma, an associated member of the Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) Cluster, chats with one of the leading voices in experimental quantum optics - Professor Christine Silberhorn from the University of Paderborn. Christine’s groundbreaking work in integrated quantum optical systems has earned her numerous prestigious awards. She’s also a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of North Rhine-Westphalia and was appointed to the German Science Council in 2023. Her research focuses on making photonic quantum computing scalable and practical - using light particles, or "flying qubits," to push the boundaries of quantum communication. In this conversation, Christine shares how photonic quantum systems can be integrated on a chip, why education in quantum science needs fresh thinking as well as her personal journey in academia and research.

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• 22. Concepts, Chaos, and Cluster Coordination: Alex Altland

  In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira talk with Alex Altland, theoretical physicist and ML4Q member, about the tension between deep scientific thinking and the administrative reality of coordinating the renewal proposal of ML4Q. As one of the designated spokespersons for ML4Q’s next funding phase, Alex shares behind-the-scenes insights into managing this large-scale effort — just days before the final decision in May 2025. We also explore his enduring fascination with foundational concepts in physics, spanning quantum field theory, quantum chaos, and topological matter. Alongside his research, Alex reflects on the importance of conceptual clarity in teaching, textbook writing, and his path from chemistry (and a brief detour into business consulting) to becoming a deeply theoretical physicist.

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• 21. From Industry back to Academia: Mario Berta

  In this episode of ML4Q&A, Chris and Mira are joined by ML4Q Professor Mario Berta, who shares his unique journey from ETH Zürich via Imperial College London and Amazon Web Services to RWTH Aachen University. They discuss his work on quantum algorithms, benchmarking, and bridging the gap between theory and industry, as well as insights into starting a research group and teaching theoretical physics. Tune in to explore Mario’s fascinating career path and hear about the quantum version of Stein’s Lemma!

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