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Professor Stephen Bartlett appointed Director of Sydney Nano

15 June 2023
Leading quantum physicist will take up the role after successful term as Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Science.
Professor Stephen Bartlett is the new Director of Sydney Nano.

Professor Stephen Bartlett is the new Director of Sydney Nano.

Professor Stephen Bartlett has been appointed Director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute. A Professor in Physics, he will take up his role on 3 July after having served as the Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

"Professor Bartlett’s vast experience and innovative approach to research will be an asset in elevating the culture of 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, Professor Bartlett possesses the leadership skills needed to advance Sydney Nano and maximise the institute’s impact on research projects here and abroad.

"Professor Bartlett is an integral part of the University’s 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 and continue to grow a research community focused on academic excellence and the greater good.

“I would also like to personally thank Alice Motion and 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,” Professor Belov said.

Professor Bartlett’s appointment comes at a pivotal time in the development of nanoscience, with great strides being made in nanohealth, sensing capabilities, battery technology and unlocking the quantum world for human benefit.

“This year the Federal Government unveiled its National Quantum Strategy and identified its new priorities for critical technologies. Professor Bartlett is the perfect appointment for Sydney Nano to engage with industry and government on these and other exciting developments,” Professor Belov said.

About Professor Bartlett

Professor Bartlett is also lead editor of PRX Quantum journal.

Professor Bartlett is also lead editor of PRX Quantum journal.

A theoretical quantum physicist, Professor Bartlett obtained a PhD 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.

He is a Chief Investigator in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS), heading a program on Designer Quantum Materials. Professor Bartlett is the inaugural Lead Editor of the Americal Physical Society journal PRX Quantum and sits on the Quantum Expert Advisory Panel of the quantum computing initiative at Transport for NSW.

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 research excellence and industry engagement 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.

"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," Professor Bartlett said.

About Sydney Nano

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 Sydney Nano Director, Professor Bartlett will develop and lead a strategy that brings together academics and expertise from across the University, breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers to tackle the greatest challenges.

Sydney Nano works across the University and in close partnership with all faculties and schools to achieve transformational and translational outcomes in six strategic fields. Each of these fields is linked to its academic framework and supports the Grand Challenge project.

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