Insider Brief:
- The Dieter Schwarz Foundation and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have partnered to advance research in quantum communication and security, funding a new professorship at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) and supporting an exchange program with German universities.
- The partnership between NUS and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will facilitate knowledge exchange and joint research, strengthening global cooperation in quantum science.
- The Dieter Schwarz Foundation, marking its first investment in Asia, views this initiative as part of its broader mission to support education and technological innovation on an international scale.
- Image Credit: National University of Singapore
PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and the National University of Singapore announced a collaboration intended to accelerate research in quantum communication and security. The partnership will support the Centre for Quantum Technologies at NUS, with a goal to strengthen international cooperation and drive advancements in quantum science.
As part of the initiative, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation will fund a new Professorship in Quantum Communication & Security at CQT. This role will focus on research and education in quantum technologies, particularly in secure data transmission. Additionally, an exchange program will connect students and researchers from NUS with the Technical University of Munich Campus Heilbronn and other German universities, encouraging cross-border knowledge sharing.
According to the release, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “The partnership between the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and NUS is an example of a mutually beneficial collaboration, where we are driving research, education and innovation towards a quantum-driven digital world.”
The Growing Role of Quantum Technologies in Secure Communication
Quantum computing may have the potential to solve complex problems that classical computers cannot efficiently address. Expected applications span industries such as drug discovery, optimization, and materials science. However, at the same time, quantum advancements create a challenge to existing encryption methods.
Quantum communication provides solutions to this security concern by enabling secure data transfer methods based on quantum mechanics. Unlike conventional encryption, quantum key distribution may be used to ensure that any attempt to intercept the communication alters the data, making eavesdropping detectable.
Professor José Ignacio Latorre, Director of CQT, emphasized the significance of these advancements, stating, “Quantum communication offers strong security for data transfers. This can be valuable in protecting sensitive data for industries from banking to healthcare.” He also noted that connecting quantum computers through quantum communication networks could further enhance their computational power.
“For society today, how we transmit and protect data is very important. At CQT, we have long been interested in the impacts quantum computing and quantum communication will have on this aspect of life. The visionary pledge from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation offers a major and timely boost to the Centre’s research programme in quantum communication and security,” said Latorre.
Global Collaboration in Quantum Research
The partnership between Germany and Singapore is expected to create new opportunities for scientific collaboration. The exchange program will allow undergraduate and postdoctoral students from NUS and TUM to engage in joint research, strengthening the global quantum research ecosystem.
Professor Thomas Hofmann, President of TUM, described the collaboration as “a significant step towards realising the potential of quantum technologies. By combining our strengths, we aim to cultivate an ecosystem that drives innovation and addresses global challenges.”
The Dieter Schwarz Foundation, established in 1999 by German entrepreneur Dieter Schwarz, is a non-profit organization committed to promoting education and scientific research. Its contribution to NUS marks its first investment in Asia and aligns with its mission to support technological innovation.
Professor Reinhold R. Geilsdörfer, CEO of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, explained the motivation behind this expansion: “For 25 years, we have been dedicated to fostering education and science, believing that these are the cornerstones of a prosperous and sustainable future. Our commitment to expanding our support to Asia reflects our belief in the region’s immense potential and the importance of global collaboration in tackling the challenges of our time.”
This initiative is established amid the growing importance of quantum research in securing digital infrastructure and solving complex computational problems. By connecting expertise across continents, the collaboration is intended to develop new security frameworks and advance quantum engineering on an international scale.
