1-9-2026: Welcome Ashish!
We are very pleased to welcome Ashish to the QuRIOUS project! Ashish completed his BS–MS Dual Degree in Physics at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali. His research background spans quantum information, general relativity, and quantum field theory: He has worked on Kerr and Kerr–AdS geometries using symbolic and numerical methods, and completed his Master's thesis at the Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, on integrable quantum field theories.
For his PhD research, he will focus on theory and numerical simulations for the development of continuously operating optical clocks. His work spans the preparation of atomic ensembles for continuous clock operation, the propagation and excitation of atoms in optical and magnetic fields, the simulation of superradiant lasing systems, and the simulation of squeezed-state preparation for cavity-assisted, non-demolition clock readout.
Ashish joined the QuRIOUS network on September 1, 2026 and is based at TUW as R11-TUW. We are delighted to have Ashish join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
For his PhD research, he will focus on theory and numerical simulations for the development of continuously operating optical clocks. His work spans the preparation of atomic ensembles for continuous clock operation, the propagation and excitation of atoms in optical and magnetic fields, the simulation of superradiant lasing systems, and the simulation of squeezed-state preparation for cavity-assisted, non-demolition clock readout.
Ashish joined the QuRIOUS network on September 1, 2026 and is based at TUW as R11-TUW. We are delighted to have Ashish join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
10-9-2026: Succesful QuRIOUS Kick-Off Meeting in Amsterdam
We were delighted to welcome all QuRIOUS PhD students, their supervisors and invited lecturers to Amsterdam for the three-day QuRIOUS Kick-Off Meeting at the University of Amsterdam.
The programme brought the network together around optical-clock science and training—from laser cooling, metrology and ultrastable lasers to frequency combs, poster discussions and lab tours. Transferable skills workshops for the PhD students provided training in project management and intercultural teamwork.
A strong start for the QuRIOUS project!
The programme brought the network together around optical-clock science and training—from laser cooling, metrology and ultrastable lasers to frequency combs, poster discussions and lab tours. Transferable skills workshops for the PhD students provided training in project management and intercultural teamwork.
A strong start for the QuRIOUS project!
7-9-2026: Welcome Cristian!
We're very pleased to welcome Cristian to the QuRIOUS team starting September 7, 2026!
Cristian obtained his bachelor's degree in Physics from Universidad de Antioquia, after focusing on Experimental Solid State Physics and Ferromagnetic Resonance. Afterwards, he joined the Master Lascala, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master hosted by Université Paris-Saclay, Lund University and University of Szeged, focusing his studies on Laser Physics.
He did his master's thesis at Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), studying and preparing quantum optical tools with the goal of analyzing superradiant light. For his PhD research, he will be working on the continuous superradiant laser project at LPL, using the previously developed tools, studying different emission regimes and its potential application as an active optical clock.
Cristian will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at LPL as R6-CNRS-LPL. We are delighted to have Cristian join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Cristian obtained his bachelor's degree in Physics from Universidad de Antioquia, after focusing on Experimental Solid State Physics and Ferromagnetic Resonance. Afterwards, he joined the Master Lascala, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master hosted by Université Paris-Saclay, Lund University and University of Szeged, focusing his studies on Laser Physics.
He did his master's thesis at Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), studying and preparing quantum optical tools with the goal of analyzing superradiant light. For his PhD research, he will be working on the continuous superradiant laser project at LPL, using the previously developed tools, studying different emission regimes and its potential application as an active optical clock.
Cristian will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at LPL as R6-CNRS-LPL. We are delighted to have Cristian join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
17-8-2026: Welcome Shyam!
We're very pleased to welcome Shyam to the QuRIOUS team starting August 17, 2026!
Shyam Kumar Raghuwanshi is a physicist with a background in experimental quantum optics and laser physics. He completed his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Delhi, his M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Bombay and an MTech from DIAT Pune.
During his MTech he worked on Four Wave Mixing (FWM) in a Rubidium vapor cell, where he learned experimental techniques such as laser frequency stabilization. After his studies, he worked at CDAC Pune as a Knowledge Associate, where he was involved in experimental quantum optics and quantum communication research. His work included developing a drone-to-drone quantum communication system, working on SPDC-based single-photon sources, and implementing beam stabilization and fine-tracking systems using fast steering mirrors and position-sensitive detectors.
Shyam will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at QUBIG as R15-QUBIG. We are delighted to have Shyam join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Shyam Kumar Raghuwanshi is a physicist with a background in experimental quantum optics and laser physics. He completed his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Delhi, his M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Bombay and an MTech from DIAT Pune.
During his MTech he worked on Four Wave Mixing (FWM) in a Rubidium vapor cell, where he learned experimental techniques such as laser frequency stabilization. After his studies, he worked at CDAC Pune as a Knowledge Associate, where he was involved in experimental quantum optics and quantum communication research. His work included developing a drone-to-drone quantum communication system, working on SPDC-based single-photon sources, and implementing beam stabilization and fine-tracking systems using fast steering mirrors and position-sensitive detectors.
Shyam will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at QUBIG as R15-QUBIG. We are delighted to have Shyam join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
1-7-2026: Welcome Shreya!
We're very pleased to welcome Shreya to the QuRIOUS team starting July 1, 2026!
Shreya did her bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India and then pursued an M.Sc in Photonics at the Abbe School of Photonics, Jena, Germany. Her research so far has been in the field of quantum communication. She has worked on the construction and characterization of polarization based entangled-photon sources and detection modules for deployed Quantum Key Distribution.
For her PhD research, Shreya will be developing a stable single-frequency laser system at NKT Photonics that can be used for quantum computing and sensing applications. This laser system will then be characterized and used to perform experiments involving the excitation of optical clock atoms such as Strontium and Ytterbium to their Rydberg states at the NQCP Neutral Atoms group in UCPH.
Shreya will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at NKT Photonics as R14-NKT. We are delighted to have Shreya join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Shreya did her bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India and then pursued an M.Sc in Photonics at the Abbe School of Photonics, Jena, Germany. Her research so far has been in the field of quantum communication. She has worked on the construction and characterization of polarization based entangled-photon sources and detection modules for deployed Quantum Key Distribution.
For her PhD research, Shreya will be developing a stable single-frequency laser system at NKT Photonics that can be used for quantum computing and sensing applications. This laser system will then be characterized and used to perform experiments involving the excitation of optical clock atoms such as Strontium and Ytterbium to their Rydberg states at the NQCP Neutral Atoms group in UCPH.
Shreya will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at NKT Photonics as R14-NKT. We are delighted to have Shreya join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
11-6-2026: European Commissioner Zaharieva visits UvA and Florian Schreck's labs
photo credit: Ljilja Suvajdžić
On 11 June, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva visited the UvA Faculty of Science at Amsterdam Science Park, together with Dutch ministers Rianne Letschert (Education, Culture and Science) and Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate). Welcomed by Rector Magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek, Dean of Science Susan te Pas, Executive Board Chair Vinod Subramaniam and Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf, the delegation came to discuss how Europe can remain a frontrunner in quantum technology and AI, and what is needed to develop these technologies responsibly and competitively.
Part of the visit was a tour of the quantum laboratories, including the lab of Professor Florian Schreck. There, the delegation saw experimental setups in which ultracold atoms are used to build quantum computers and ultra‑precise quantum clocks. Operating at temperatures close to absolute zero, these systems allow scientists to control atoms with extreme precision, paving the way for future quantum applications. Schreck stressed that the economic impact of quantum technologies ultimately starts with this fundamental research, and that training students and young researchers in such advanced labs is crucial for Europe to build the expertise and talent needed to turn quantum science into real-world innovations.
For the full news item by the University of Amsterdam, click here.
Part of the visit was a tour of the quantum laboratories, including the lab of Professor Florian Schreck. There, the delegation saw experimental setups in which ultracold atoms are used to build quantum computers and ultra‑precise quantum clocks. Operating at temperatures close to absolute zero, these systems allow scientists to control atoms with extreme precision, paving the way for future quantum applications. Schreck stressed that the economic impact of quantum technologies ultimately starts with this fundamental research, and that training students and young researchers in such advanced labs is crucial for Europe to build the expertise and talent needed to turn quantum science into real-world innovations.
For the full news item by the University of Amsterdam, click here.
1-6-2026: Welcome Haiwei!
We're very pleased to welcome Haiwei to the QuRIOUS team starting June 1, 2026!
Haiwei did his Master in Microengineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, with a minor in Quantum Science and Engineering. Before that he did his Bachelor in Optical Engineering at Zhejiang University. His interests lie in the fields of photonics, quantum, and nonlinear dynamics.
At UvA, he will work on the continuous clock project based on superradiant lasing of ultracold strontium atoms traversing a bow-tie cavity.
Haiwei will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the University of Amsterdam as R1-UvA. We are delighted to have Haiwei join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Haiwei did his Master in Microengineering at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, with a minor in Quantum Science and Engineering. Before that he did his Bachelor in Optical Engineering at Zhejiang University. His interests lie in the fields of photonics, quantum, and nonlinear dynamics.
At UvA, he will work on the continuous clock project based on superradiant lasing of ultracold strontium atoms traversing a bow-tie cavity.
Haiwei will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the University of Amsterdam as R1-UvA. We are delighted to have Haiwei join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
1-3-2026: Welcome Lorenzo!
We're very pleased to welcome Lorenzo Lucia to the QuRIOUS team starting March 1, 2026!
Lorenzo did his bachelor studies in Torino, at Politecnico di Torino, in Physics Engineering and then he did the master, still at Politecnico di Torino, in Quantum Engineering where he studied all the different technologies that are exploiting quantum mechanics. The main focus was on quantum computing, lasers, and quantum communication.
He did his internship and master thesis at the Italian Metrological Institute, INRIM, for 9 months. He worked on the study of entangled states of light generated from within a silicon nitride microring with the goal of developing a compact and highly coherent single- or entangled-photon source for quantum communication purposes.
Lorenzo will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at Menlo Systems in Munich, Germany, as R13-MEN. We are delighted to have Lorenzo join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Lorenzo did his bachelor studies in Torino, at Politecnico di Torino, in Physics Engineering and then he did the master, still at Politecnico di Torino, in Quantum Engineering where he studied all the different technologies that are exploiting quantum mechanics. The main focus was on quantum computing, lasers, and quantum communication.
He did his internship and master thesis at the Italian Metrological Institute, INRIM, for 9 months. He worked on the study of entangled states of light generated from within a silicon nitride microring with the goal of developing a compact and highly coherent single- or entangled-photon source for quantum communication purposes.
Lorenzo will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at Menlo Systems in Munich, Germany, as R13-MEN. We are delighted to have Lorenzo join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
16-04-2026: Application for position R7-CNRS-LTE is still possible!
Last chance to apply for the QuRIOUS position hosted by CNRS-LTE! Find out more about the project here, and please visit the LTE website to apply!
1-4-2026: Welcome Bhagyashri!
We’re very pleased to welcome Bhagyashri Bidwai to the QuRIOUS team, starting April 1, 2026!
Bhagyashri completed her master’s degree in Physics from Savitribai Phule Pune University and has gained research experience at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bangalore, where she worked in the QuMiX Lab on Raman-driven spin noise spectroscopy (RDSNS) and quantum sensing in ultracold potassium (³⁹K) and thermal rubidium (⁸⁷Rb) atomic systems. Her work involved precision measurements, laser cooling and trapping techniques, and experimental studies in ultracold atom physics.
Her PhD work focuses on the experimental study of a continuously operating superradiant laser based on ultracold ytterbium atoms coupled to an optical cavity. A key aspect of the project involves the atom transport system, where atoms are transferred from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) into the cavity region and prepared for interaction on the ¹S₀ → ³P₀ optical clock transition. The objective is to achieve efficient atom–cavity coupling enabling continuous coherent emission from the atomic ensemble and to investigate cavity-assisted collective emission as a route toward ultra-stable optical frequency references.
Bhagyashri will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the FEMTO-ST Institute (CNRS) in Besançon, France as R5-CNRS-FEMTO. We are delighted to have Bhagyashri join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
Bhagyashri completed her master’s degree in Physics from Savitribai Phule Pune University and has gained research experience at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bangalore, where she worked in the QuMiX Lab on Raman-driven spin noise spectroscopy (RDSNS) and quantum sensing in ultracold potassium (³⁹K) and thermal rubidium (⁸⁷Rb) atomic systems. Her work involved precision measurements, laser cooling and trapping techniques, and experimental studies in ultracold atom physics.
Her PhD work focuses on the experimental study of a continuously operating superradiant laser based on ultracold ytterbium atoms coupled to an optical cavity. A key aspect of the project involves the atom transport system, where atoms are transferred from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) into the cavity region and prepared for interaction on the ¹S₀ → ³P₀ optical clock transition. The objective is to achieve efficient atom–cavity coupling enabling continuous coherent emission from the atomic ensemble and to investigate cavity-assisted collective emission as a route toward ultra-stable optical frequency references.
Bhagyashri will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the FEMTO-ST Institute (CNRS) in Besançon, France as R5-CNRS-FEMTO. We are delighted to have Bhagyashri join the QuRIOUS network and look forward to this exciting journey!
26-2-2026: Application for position R10-UMK is still possible!
Last chance to apply for the QuRIOUS position hosted by UMK! Find out more about the project here, and please visit the UMK website to apply!
18-12-2025: School on Space Quantum Technology
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On December 15 - 17, QuRIOUS, together with the FAMO consortium and the MoSaiQC project, organized the "School on Space Quantum Technology: communication, computing and sensors". The school took place at QuRIOUS partner UMK.
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1-11-2025: Welcome Benoit!
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📣 We’re very pleased to welcome Benoit Brouillet to the QuRIOUS team, starting November 1, 2025!
Graduated from Télécom Physique Strasbourg (France) engineering school and from the QTEP (quantum Technologies European Program) Master degree of the University of Strasbourg, Benoit has joined Florian Schreck's group as a PhD student to work on the zero deadtime clock project. He had the opportunity to do a 6 months internship in this group and on the same project for my studies, allowing him to already have a good understanding of the whole project. Barna will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the University of Amsterdam as R2-UvA. 👏 Welcome to the team, Benoit! We look forward to working with you. |
1-11-2025: Welcome Barna!
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📣 We’re very pleased to welcome Barna Mendei to the QuRIOUS team, starting November 1, 2025!
Barna recieved his Master in Physics at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. He joined the research group in Innsbruck, where he will investigate the Doppler-slowing and cooling of positronium using theoretical techniques. Barna will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the University of Innsbruck as R12-UIBK. 👏 Welcome to the team, Barna! We look forward to working with you. |
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1-10-2025: Welcome Pranav!
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📣 We’re very pleased to welcome Pranav Ticku to the QuRIOUS team, starting October 1, 2025!
Pranav holds a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. As a PhD candidate at UCPH, he will focus on rebuilding the strontium experiment with technical improvements and an additional “green MOT” cooling stage. The goal is to increase the lifetime of the superradiant kHz transition of 88Sr that will result in an active atomic clock with higher stability. The same system will also be used to explore novel emergent phenomenon such as bright and dark superposition states in Sr, and cavity mediated interactions between sub-ensembles of Sr. Pranav will join the QuRIOUS network and is based at the University of Copenhagen as R8-UCPH. 👏 Welcome to the team, Pranav! We look forward to working with you. |
5-11-2025: Apply now to the QuRIOUS position at UMK!
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by UMK (Torun)! To apply and find out more, please visit the UMK website.
5-11-2025: Apply now to the QuRIOUS position at CNRS-LTE!
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by CNRS-LTE! To apply and find out more, please visit the LTE website.
5-11-2025: Apply now to the QuRIOUS positions at UoB!
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD positions hosted by the University of Birmingham! To apply and find out more, please visit the UoB website.
24-10-2025: KL FAMO, MoSaiQC and QuRIOUS School on Space Quantum Technology: communication, computing and sensors
Together with KL FAMO and the MoSaiQC project, QuRIOUS is organizing the "KL FAMO, MoSaiQC and QuRIOUS School on Space Quantum Technology: communication, computing and sensors" that will take place from 15 December 2025 until 17 December 2025 in Torun. For more information and registration, please see: invitation_klfamo_school25.pdf
23-10-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at NKT
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by NKT (Denmark)! To apply and find out more, please visit the NKT website.
1-10-2025: QuRIOUS project kicks off
QuRIOUS – Quantum Research and Innovation in Optical clocks for Upcoming Scientists is Doctoral Network fundend by the European Commission. Over the next 4 years, QuRIOUS will train 15 PhD researchers in the rapidly advancing field of optical clocks and their applications in science and industry.
Optical clocks, the most precise timekeepers ever built, measure time with an accuracy of up to one part in a quintillion, enabling breakthroughs in navigation, geodesy, telecommunications, and fundamental physics. With the quantum technology market projected to reach €3 billion by 2030, QuRIOUS aims to equip a new generation of experts to lead Europe’s progress in this field.
The network, coordinated by the University of Amsterdam, unites 11 leading universities and industry partners—including institutions in Amsterdam, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Toruń, Vienna, Innsbruck, Paris, and Italy’s National Metrology Institute—along with 11 associated partners across Europe. Together, they will provide world-class training at the intersection of quantum science and technology.
“Optical clocks are becoming central to many areas of science and industry,” says coordinator Florian Schreck (University of Amsterdam). “QuRIOUS will prepare young scientists to drive the next wave of quantum innovation.”
QuRIOUS builds on previous EU-funded initiatives such as MoSaiQC, iqClock, and AQuRA, continuing Europe’s leadership in quantum timekeeping and precision measurement.
Optical clocks, the most precise timekeepers ever built, measure time with an accuracy of up to one part in a quintillion, enabling breakthroughs in navigation, geodesy, telecommunications, and fundamental physics. With the quantum technology market projected to reach €3 billion by 2030, QuRIOUS aims to equip a new generation of experts to lead Europe’s progress in this field.
The network, coordinated by the University of Amsterdam, unites 11 leading universities and industry partners—including institutions in Amsterdam, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Toruń, Vienna, Innsbruck, Paris, and Italy’s National Metrology Institute—along with 11 associated partners across Europe. Together, they will provide world-class training at the intersection of quantum science and technology.
“Optical clocks are becoming central to many areas of science and industry,” says coordinator Florian Schreck (University of Amsterdam). “QuRIOUS will prepare young scientists to drive the next wave of quantum innovation.”
QuRIOUS builds on previous EU-funded initiatives such as MoSaiQC, iqClock, and AQuRA, continuing Europe’s leadership in quantum timekeeping and precision measurement.
30-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at TUW
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by TUW (Vienna)! To apply and find out more, please visit the TUW website.
26-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at QUBIG
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by QUBIG (Munich)! To apply and find out more, please visit the QUBIG website.
26-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at CNRS-FEMTO
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by CNRS-FEMTO (Besançon)! To apply and find out more, please visit the FEMTO website.
23-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at INRIM
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by INRIM (Turin)! To apply and find out more, please visit the INRIM website.
16-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at CNRS-LPL
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by CNRS-LPL (Paris/Villetaneuse)! To apply and find out more, please visit the LPL website.
3-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS postions at UIBK
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by UIBK (Innsbruck)! To apply and find out more, please visit the UIBK website.
2-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS position at Menlo Systems
Applications are now welcomed for the QuRIOUS PhD position hosted by Menlo Systems (Munich)! To apply and find out more, please visit the Menlo website.
2-9-2025: Apply now for the QuRIOUS PhD positions at UvA
Applications are now welcomed for the 2 QuRIOUS PhD positions hosted by the University of Amsterdam! To apply and find out more, please visit the UvA website.
10-7-2025: QuRIOUS: a new doctoral programme on optical quantum clock
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The European Commission has decided to fund the doctoral network QuRIOUS – Quantum Research and Innovation in Optical clocks for Upcoming Scientists – which will train and develop the skills of 15 doctoral students on the topic of optical clocks and their applications. The programme will be coordinated by the University of Amsterdam, and involves eleven academic and industrial partners throughout Europe, as well as eleven additional associated partners.
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