FQxI quantum physicist Nicolas Gisin, of Geneva, in Switzerland and Constructor University, in Bremen, Germany has been awarded the 2023 Micius Quantum Prize, alongside Bristol University's John Rarity. The Micius Quantum Prize recognizes significant science advances ranging from early conceptual contributions to recent experimental breakthroughs. The Micius Quantum Prize 2023 focuses on early quantum key distribution experiments–the bedrock of ultra-secure quantum cryptography–using optical fibers.
Each honoree will receive a prize of 1.25 million Chinese yuan (after tax about 150,000 US dollars) and a 24K gold medal with a weight of 200g.
Congratulations to both winners!
You can hear Gisin talking about his work in foundational physics on the FQxI podcast. In an interview with Zeeya Merali, he made an unconventional case for why quantum theory is inherently indeterministic. He starts by arguing that real numbers are not really (ontologically) real, but random–and as a result, both classical mechanics, which is built on real numbers, and quantum mechanics are inherently indeterministic. His work has repercussions for whether the future is set by the past, or open.