In 2003, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded a VICI grant to CWI researcher Harry Buhrman for his research on quantum computing. Normal 'classical' computers use memory bits that can be either 0 or 1. Quantum bits can be a combination of 0 and 1 at the same time. By making smart use of this property, quantum computers can perform certain computations much faster than their classical equivalents.
Although actual quantum computers have not been built yet, it is possible to do theoretic research on their properties. In particular, Buhrman and his colleagues from the Quantum Computing and Advanced Systems group are interested in new efficient quantum algorithms.
The VICI grant, amounting up to 1,250,000 euros, is intended to give talented senior researchers the opportunity to strengthen their own research group.
More information can be found on NWO's VICI 2003 web page, the INS4's website or Buhrman's homepage
