History of the Group

Our group was first established in 2004, when Vlatko Vedral became Professor of Quantum Information Science in Leeds. While in Leeds, he wrote several books (including one on Decoding Reality: The Universe as Quantum Information). Vlatko moved to Oxford in 2009, and Tim Spiller from HP Labs in Bristol became the new head of group. In 2014, Tim moved to York to become the Director of the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Quantum Communications Technologies.

Since 2014, the group has grown and its research has started to cover a much broader set of areas than just Quantum Information Science. Consequently, the group changed its name into Theoretical Physics Group and is currently lead by Almut Beige. As of 2017, the group consists of seven academics and one Emeritus Professor. We have strong collaborations with many other groups and schools within the University of Leeds, the UK and worldwide.

Our current research into novel materials and quantum many-body physics has applications in Condensed Matter Physics, including the practical realisation of quantum computing and quantum metrology. Moreover computational work into quantum chemistry and large molecular systems will enable the design of novel materials for artificial light harvesting as well as novel biophysical applications in medicine. In addition, members of the Theoretical Physics group in Leeds contribute to the efforts of the Oxford Quantum Technology Hub NQIT on Networked Quantum Information Technology and the York Quantum Technology Hub for Quantum Communications Technologies.