Professor Natalia Ares selected as one of the Quantum 100

Professor Natalia Ares has been selected as one of the Quantum 100, a global initiative as part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which aims to provide a global snapshot of quantum careers and community. Representing people at every stage of their professional journey, the Quantum 100 spans academia, industry, education, art, culture, journalism, and policy, reflecting a breadth of skills and specialization.

The Quantum 100 were selected by members of the IYQ steering committee and global coordination bureau, composed of representatives from each of the IYQ Founding Partners, as well as leaders around the world from universities, research institutions, scientific societies, governments, and industry.

Natalia says, “I am excited to be a member of the Quantum 100. My research sits at the intersection of two rapidly evolving fields: quantum science and artificial intelligence. This intersection can take several forms. Classical artificial intelligence helps us design, control and optimise quantum technologies. We can also ask whether quantum computers could offer advantages for running artificial intelligence. And we can explore approaches that combine classical and quantum systems, building bridges between these two powerful technologies."

She adds:

"To address the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence, we also need to confront fundamental questions about the thermodynamics of control and learning. Taken together, these efforts aim to shape the future of computing, energy and information."

Professor Ares has built extensive global collaborations and a widely recognized research team as an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. Her research is focused on qubit tuning and optimization using machine learning across multiple qubit platforms. To commercialize her work, she co-founded the spinout company Quantrolox. Her work addresses critical challenges in scalable quantum systems, including automating qubit tuning and calibration, leveraging AI to improve performance and efficiency across different hardware platforms.

Beyond her research, Natalia actively engages with the wider quantum community through outreach, teaching, and initiatives to increase diversity in the field. Natalia has provided mentorship to early-career researchers, fostering their growth in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing. She has contributed to developing specialist quantum technology courses and promotes the visibility and accessibility of quantum science at both national and international levels.

Natalia concludes:

“One of our most important goals is to equip a diverse group of people with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, and to support governments and society in understanding quantum technologies."

Natalia Ares - IYQ 2025