Professor Ignacio Cirac, head of the Theory Division at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, has been elected as an international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). This prestigious honor is awarded to those who have made significant contributions in their research fields. Cirac is renowned for his theoretical research on quantum computation and simulation. He pioneered concepts of quantum computers based on ion traps and neutral atoms, and introduced the widely used quantum repeater. Cirac will be affiliated with the Section of Applied Physics and will officially join the NAS in April 2025.
Ignacio Cirac Joins the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
Ignacio Cirac, a renowned physicist and the head of the Theory Division at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, has been elected as an international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The NAS is a private, non-profit research society in the United States, recognized for its commitment to scientific excellence. Each year, the NAS elects a select number of new members, acknowledging their significant contributions to their respective fields of research. While the majority of NAS members are U.S. citizens, up to 30 international scientists are elected annually.
The Prestige of NAS Membership
Membership in the NAS is a highly esteemed honor in the scientific community. The NAS, established in 1869, serves as an advisor to the U.S. government on scientific and technological matters. The Academy currently comprises approximately 2,400 members, along with around 500 international members. The process of becoming a member of the NAS is not open to applications; instead, prospective candidates are nominated by existing Academy members. Following a rigorous vetting process and a successful vote at the annual meeting, nominees are invited to join the NAS.
Ignacio Cirac’s Seminal Contributions to Quantum Physics
Cirac’s theoretical research in quantum computation and simulation is widely recognized as groundbreaking. In collaboration with Peter Zoller, Cirac developed the concepts of quantum computers based on ion traps, neutral atoms, and other physical systems. He was also the first scientist to propose the concept of the quantum repeater, a tool now widely used in quantum information processing, and to outline how to implement this tool experimentally using atoms and photons.
A Career Marked by Prestigious Awards
Cirac’s election to the NAS is the latest in a series of prestigious recognitions. His previous awards include the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2008), the Wolf Prize in Physics (2013), and the Max Planck Medal (2018). In addition, he holds nine honorary doctorates. As an international member of the NAS, Cirac will be affiliated with the Section of Applied Physics, one of the Academy’s 31 sections.
Looking Forward: Cirac’s Future with the NAS
Cirac expressed his anticipation for participating in the NAS’s activities and meeting fellow members. He will officially add his signature to the Registry of Membership at the society’s annual meeting in April 2025. As a member of the NAS, Cirac will continue to contribute to the scientific community, providing independent, objective advice on matters related to science and technology.
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