Doctor Robert Schumann
Nationality: Germany
Year: 2002
Subject Area: Science and Engineering
Robert's research, supported by the Wingate Foundation, was aimed at finding out how noisy quantum systems could be used to perform quantum computation. His original proposal was to study the ways in which quantum systems lose their counter-intuitive properties – epitomised by "Schrödinger's cat" – and become classical. After receiving funding from the Wingate Foundation, Robert found a particular experimental system (the "isolated double quantum dot") with some intriguing features, and his subsequent research focused on explaining the electronic structure of this system. He was awarded his doctorate in 2006.
During his studies, Robert developed an interest in telecommunications and information technology which drew him away from physics. He has become actively involved in the promotion of open source software, notably through involvement in the organisation of Software Freedom Day which is celebrated by over 200 teams around the world each September. He is currently working as a telecommunications consultant.