“Building Africa’s Quantum Future: Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacity" by Yaseera Ismail
When: Thursday October 30, 2025
At 16:00 CET (11:00 EDT)
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Biography:
Yaseera Ismail heads the QuPhotonics Lab within the Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She obtained her PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is an experimentalist who specialises in developing quantum optical tools to advance free-space, long-range secure quantum communication. Her most recent research initiatives led to the establishment of the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere and the longest intercontinental secure quantum link, spanning 12900 km between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. She serves on the editorial board of the Scientific Reports Journal. In 2016, she received the TechWomen Emerging Leader Award, in 2018, she was recognised as an Optica Ambassador, and in 2024, she was inaugurated into the South African Young Academy of Sciences. She is also the Optica-appointed Vice President on the International Commission for Optics.
Abstract:
Building Africa’s quantum future requires coordinated efforts to strengthen research capacity, develop human capital, and establish robust innovation ecosystems. South Africa’s Quantum Technology Initiative is advancing the continent’s quantum agenda through targeted research programs, graduate training, and infrastructure development. National and international collaboration is pivotal, enabling knowledge exchange, shared research platforms, and joint innovation projects that connect African scientists with global expertise. Recently, collaborative efforts resulted in the first quantum satellite link in South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. These efforts ensure Africa’s meaningful participation in the global quantum landscape.