Professor Stephen Bartlett appointed Director of Sydney Nano

Professor Stephen Bartlett has been appointed Director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute. Stephen is currently a Professor in Physics and the Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

“Stephen’s vast experience and innovative approach to research will be an asset in elevating the culture of the Sydney Nano,” said Professor Kathy Belov, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement).

“As a highly respected researcher with a breadth of experience in strategy, external engagement and commercialisation, Stephen possesses the leadership skills needed to advance Sydney Nano and maximise the Institute’s impact on research projects here and abroad.”

“Stephen is a wonderful addition to our world-class research team, as we look to solve the most challenging problems facing humanity. Through his leadership, we’re well-placed to effectively support our strategic aspirations to raise the international standing of the University of Sydney and continue to grow a research community focused on academic excellence and the greater good.”

A theoretical quantum physicist, Stephen obtained a Ph.D. degree in Physics from the University of Toronto and was a key figure in the establishment of the Sydney Quantum Academy in 2019, which has supported 125 new PhD students in quantum science.

Stephen is a Chief Investigator in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), heading a program on Designer Quantum Materials. He is the inaugural Lead Editor of the APS journal PRX Quantum and sits on the Quantum Expert Advisory Board of the new quantum computing initiative at Transport for NSW.

“I would also like to personally thank Associate Professor Alice Motion and Associate Professor Girish Lakhwani for steering Sydney Nano throughout the recruitment process. Your amazing efforts ensured that the Institute continued its important work through a period of transition”, Kathy said.

Sydney Nano fosters and enables research that impacts a variety of areas including manufacturing, energy and the environment; health and medicine; and communications, computing and security.

As the Director of Sydney Nano, Stephen will lead an execute an institutionally inclusive and thematically focused research strategy.

In accepting the appointment, Stephen said “I’m excited to be part of the leadership at Sydney Nano and look forward to bringing my experience to Sydney Nano's multidisciplinary approach and help the University drive ground-breaking innovations through greater collaboration.

“I’m eager to continue investing in proven research that has the greatest potential to translate into measurable benefit for society and leverage new and existing partnerships to foster multidisciplinary problem solving.”

“While the impact of the technology we develop at Sydney Nano will be felt far beyond science, medicine, and engineering, I’m looking forward to working with our unique community, and can’t wait to push Sydney Nano forward with the help of experts in STEM, arts and social sciences, business, law, and architecture and design,” Stephen said.