Shannon Whitlock – Quantum Technologist

Shannon Whitlock — Quantum Technologist

Advancing Neutral Atoms for Scalable Quantum Computing
Empowering Tomorrow’s Quantum Scientists and Engineers
Translating Research into Real-World Impact

Contact me

Research – Training – Impact

About

I am an experimental atomic physicist, motivated by translating fundamental science into transformative technology. With over 20 years of experience developing techniques for manipulating individual atoms using laser light, I apply these systems to realize new technologies enabled by quantum principles. I am a Professor at the University of Strasbourg, researcher at the European Center for Quantum Sciences (CESQ) and Director of the Exotic Quantum Matter (EQM) Lab. I coordinate France’s first public neutral-atom quantum computing platform — Atomic Quantum Computing as a Service (aQCess).

Current Positions

Professor (classe exceptionnelle), University of Strasbourg
Founding PI of the European Center for Quantum Sciences (CESQ)
Director, Exotic Quantum Matter (EQM) Lab
Coordinator, aQCess — France’s first public neutral-atom quantum computing platform
Co-founder & Scientific Advisor, QPerfect

Past Roles

2017–2018: Professeur associé, IPCMS Strasbourg
2013–2017: Emmy Noether Group Leader, University of Heidelberg
2010–2012: Co-PI, University of Heidelberg
2007–2010: Marie Curie Fellow, University of Amsterdam
2004–2007: PhD, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

Quick Stats

➢ 65+ peer-reviewed publications (h-index: 34)
➢ 4,000+ citations in quantum physics
➢ Supervisor to 8 PhD graduates

➢ Built 4 neutral atom quantum machines
➢ Principal investigator on €10M+ in grants
➢ Leading 14 researchers across 4 teams

Areas of Expertise

Quantum computing • Laser cooling & trapping • Experimental physics • Many-body physics • Rydberg atoms • Quantum emulation & benchmarking • Quantum software • Atom chips • Quantum sensing

Research

Major National and International Projects

(click headers to expand)

⦁ Atomic Quantum Computing as a Service (aQCess)

aQCess is France’s first open and public platform for digital quantum computing based on high quality atomic qubits, coordinated by the University of Strasbourg and supported by major national and European initiatives. The system hosts over 400 individually controlled atomic qubits for universal quantum computing.

Highlights
– Full stack digital quantum computing platform based on ytterbium atoms
– Unique architecture featuring a dual qubit encoding for robust operations and precise readout
– Fast, universal instruction set with native multiqubit gates, exploiting time-optimal pulses
– Open for research, industry trials, and quantum workforce training

Representative publications:
Quantum simulation and computing with Rydberg-interacting qubits AVS Quantum Sci, 2021

aQCess benefits from a state grant managed by the French National Research Agency under the Investments of the Future Program with the reference ANR-21-ESRE-0032.

Project page: aqcess.cesq.fr

⦁ European Infrastructure for Rydberg Quantum Computing (EuRyQa)

EuRyQa is an EU-funded initiative advancing ultracold atom quantum computing as a leading platform for scalable digital quantum technologies. The project brings together eleven partners from seven countries—including academic leaders and industry—to develop fully programmable and scalable quantum processors based on Rydberg atoms.

Key features and goals
– Unites four complementary European Rydberg quantum computing platforms for cross-validation and rapid scaling
– Establishes the first common benchmarks and standards for neutral atom quantum processors in Europe
– Combines academic expertise with industry partners in quantum hardware, electronics, and software to accelerate development
– Provides a shared quantum computing stack and cloud service to the European research and innovation community

EuRyQa has received funding under Horizon Europe programme HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-30 via the project 101070144

Project page: https://www.euryqa.eu/

⦁ Machine Learning for Quantum (MSCA Doctoral Network MLQ)

MLQ is a coordinated doctoral training network to explore how ideas and techniques from machine learning and quantum can feed into and benefit the other. We provide high-level interdisciplinary training to 10 doctoral researchers who will become leaders of this new frontier.

10 doctoral researchers will explore how machine learning and quantum science technology can be combined to (i) extend quantum and classical machine learning based prediction of materials and matter properties and to strongly-correlated regimes, and (ii) accelerate the development of quantum technologies through machine learning, thus enabling new approaches to solving outstanding problems currently out of reach of classical computers. This has the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as developing tools for discovering more environmentally friendly chemical processes and efficient materials, or accelerating the development of quantum technologies which will give Europe an edge in the global tech race.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement number 101120240.

Project page: https://mlq.quantumexcellence.org/

⦁ Protection of quantum information in small clusters of qubits (QuantERA PROTEQT)

We propose an approach to enhance qubit coherence by orders of magnitude, by storing quantum information in the lowest energy states of small qubit clusters. This encoding is protected from major sources of decoherence due to a high degree of spatial symmetry supported by long range interactions. In this project we will apply these principles to both Rydberg atoms and superconducting circuits which are architectures that have the required properties. The project will also develop protocols to couple, control, readout and benchmark the qubits.

This project funded within the QuantERA II Programme that has received funding from the EU H2020 research and innovation programme under GA No 101017733

Consortium
Coordinator: Eran Ginossar (University of Surrey, UK)
Shannon Whitlock (University of Strasbourg, FR)
Marzena Szymanska (University College London, UK)
Michael Stern (Technion, IL)

Recent Publications

Training

I lecture and coordinate in leading European doctoral and master’s programs in quantum technologies. Students thrive when they feel part of the scientific community and are empowered to tackle real-world research challenges. My approach focuses on broadening horizons through international networking, hands-on experimentation, simulation-driven learning, collaborative teamwork, and opportunities for independent problem-solving.

⦁ Master Level Course: Quantum Technologies

Course description: The principles of quantum mechanics, which govern physics, chemistry, material science and computing at the nanoscale are leading a wave of new technologies which have the potential to revolutionize how we communicate, process information and learn about our world. This course aims to give you the tools to understand, develop and apply quantum technologies, enabling you to be part of the second quantum revolution. While primarily targeting physics students, the course is also designed to be accessible to engineering, mathematics or computer science students seeking a deeper understanding of underlying principles.

Course structure:
Part A: Concepts and Foundations – Core principles of quantum mechanics and light–matter interaction.
Part B: Physical Platforms – Superconducting qubits, atomic quantum systems, and photonic quantum technologies.
Part C: Applications – Quantum computing, sensing, and communication (in development).

Excerpt: Read Chapters 1 & 2 for a preview of some of the course materials.
Teachers interested in offering this course to their students may contact me.

⦁ European Master Certificate EFEQT (EFEQT)

EFEQT – “Empowering the future experts in Quantum Science and Technology for Europe” is a 1 year complementary training for students enrolled in a European MSc program, recognised by a European Master certificate backed by 12 European research institutions. Each year we host around 50 students from dozens of countries across Europe who benefit from networking opportunities, mentoring, regular meetups with experts from academia and industry and access to events, and research internships.

EFEQT is coordinated by the University of Strasbourg https://efeqt.eu

⦁ Machine Learning for Quantum (MSCA Doctoral Network MLQ)

⦁ Generation Quantum – Trinational Doctoral Programme (MSCA COFUND Gen-Q)

Gen-Q is a five-year, EU-funded doctoral training programme coordinated by the Eucor European Campus, designed to prepare the next generation of experts in quantum science and technology. The programme offers 51 fully funded PhD positions across leading universities in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Poland, combining international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral experience.

Mission
Gen-Q’s mission is to equip doctoral researchers with both technical expertise and transferable skills to become leaders in the European quantum ecosystem. By bringing together diverse academic and industrial partners, Gen-Q creates a sustainable network for quantum science, spanning physics, chemistry, materials science, and computer science.

Key Features
– Each doctoral project runs for 48 months and leads to a PhD from one of the partner universities.
- Research topics focus on four major challenges in quantum technologies
– Every PhD student has a personalized training committee and spends 3–12 months with a non-academic partner to gain industry experience.
- Gen-Q emphasizes scientific excellence, diversity, and gender equality

Funding
The program is supported by €13 million in funding: €6 million from the EU, €2 million from Switzerland, and co-financing from all partner universities.

⦁ DigiQ – The Primary Workforce Development Project of the European Quantum Flagship

In order to meet the emerging need for a quantum-ready workforce in the coming decade, university training efforts within Quantum Technology will not only have to be massively scaled up but also comprehensively reformed. There is an urgent need for a wider understanding of the underpinnings of the quantum revolution as well as an increased awareness for the commercial potential of quantum innovations in the coming generations of quantum physicists.

The DigiQ project spearheads a transformation of the educational ecosystem by introducing both a series of didactical innovations as well as a multinational program structure ready to be scaled up to the rest of the European Higher Education Area.

Aims and Ambitions
– Develop 16 Quantum Technology Master degrees across Europe.
– Provide a personalised route for thousands of top students to a Quantum Workforce.
– Disseminate multilingual educational resources for the whole of Europe.
– Help to build the Quantum Industry through a Pan-European mobility program.

⦁ Previous Activities (2016 – 2024)

Teaching
– Optics & Photonics (Master Course)
– Quantum Computing with Atoms and Light (Doctoral Course)
– Introduction to Quantum Science & Technology (Master Course)
– Open Quantum Systems (Master Course, co-taught)
– Many-body Physics (Master Course, co-taught)
– Quantum Computing, Rydberg Physics, Low-dimensional physics (Doctoral Courses)

Projects
– QUSTEC – trinational doctoral program – Quantum Science and Technology. I was part of the Steering Committee for this project which supported 37 doctoral positions and brings together the quantum expertise in the whole upper Rhine valley (https://www.eucor-uni.org/en/qustec/)
– QMat – Quantum Science and Nanomaterials. From 2018-2024, I was part of the coordinating team for the first Ecole Universitaire de Recherche in quantum science in France, an international integrated MSc and PhD program of the University of Strasbourg (https://qmat.unistra.fr/)
– MOQS – European Training Network on Molecular Quantum Simulations (https://moqs.eu) – training manager

Impact

This section highlights the broader impact of my work on science and society—including technology innovation, recognition by peers, contributions to the open-source ecosystem, and leadership in advancing scientific communities.

Service To Science

Co-organiser, CESQ Quantum Week 2025
Helped coordinate a series of public events for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, featuring sessions for industry, schools, families, and the regional quantum ecosystem, with over 500 visitors in 2025.
Co-coordinator, European Master certificate EFEQT
Lead a European-wide training program for MSc students in quantum science and technology for over 200 students since 2021
Event Organisation
- Co-organiser of the Quantum Computing for Chemistry industry training event (Oct 2022 and Oct 2023)
- Organiser, European Spring School in Quantum Science and Technology (April 2022)
- Co-chair, SPIE Photonics Europe Quantum Technologies Conference (2020 & 2022)
- Organiser, Machine Learning for Quantum X (July 2021)
- Organiser, Quantum Excellence Online industry event and Jobs fair (February 2021)
- Organiser, Understanding quantum technologies – Public event (Dec 2021)
Reviewer for funding agencies: ERC, ESF, ANR, Sirteq, DFG, W. M. Keck Foundation, DOE
Leadership responsibilities: aQCess, Gen-Q, MSCA MLQ, QMat, MSCA MOQS & QUSTEC

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

🚀 Co-founder & Scientific Advisor: QPerfect (Founded 2023)
Neutral atom quantum computing company specializing in quantum software for fault-tolerant quantum computing and emulation. Acquired by BTQ Technologies (November 2025).
MIMIQ quantum emulator: Exceptionally powerful tensor-network based quantum computer emulator for designing, testing, and optimizing large-scale quantum algorithms. See our own benchmarking, and those of independent experts (Quantinuum)
Creator of the QG8 file spec. for storing and exchanging quantum data
2 patents in quantum emulation and quantum gate protocols

Recognitions 🏆

Institut Universitaire de France, IUF Senior Member (2022-2027)
Initiative d’Excellence Chaire of the University of Strasbourg (2016-2019)
Fellow of USIAS – University of Strasbourg Institute of Advanced Studies (2017 – 2020)
Emmy Noether Grant (DFG, German Research Foundation)
Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship (2008-2010)

Media & Talks

Featured in DNA – Les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (regional newspaper) on the computer of the future being constructed in Strasbourg (in french)
Interview with SheQuantum 2020 about research in experimental quantum physics, diversity and mentorship in quantum science
Live launch of the MIMIQ quantum emulator at Q2B Tokyo in 2024
Regular invited and keynote talks on neutral-atom quantum computing at major national and international conferences.

Contact

📧 Email: shannon@whitlockscientific.eu
🔗 Links: Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn
🏛️ Lab: Exotic Quantum Matter | aQCess | QPerfect

Shannon Whitlock
European Center for Quantum Sciences (CESQ-ISIS)
23 rue du Loess, 67200, Strasbourg, France

Shannon Whitlock, 2025