Leibniz University Hannover University News & Events
Alexander von Humboldt Professorship

LUH looks forward to welcoming Prof. Dr. Robert Raußendorf as an Alexander von Humboldt Professor!

In what is a great success for LUH in the competition for Germany’s most prestigious research award, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has awarded one of this year’s Alexander von Humboldt Professorships to Prof. Dr. Robert Raußendorf. The renowned quantum physicist will teach and conduct research in Hannover from summer 2023. LUH is very pleased that Professor Raußendorf, one of the world's few experts in the field of quantum information technology, is coming to Hannover and will significantly advance quantum research at LUH – including the development of the first functioning quantum computer as part of the project Quantum Valley Lower Saxony.

About Professor Raußendorf

Robert Raußendorf completed his doctorate at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich and subsequently worked at various universities in the United States and Canada. Born in 1973, the physicist has an impressive publication list in the field of quantum information technology and quantum error correction and is the author of a patent in the field of fault tolerance and ion trap quantum architectures. The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship enables researchers from abroad who, like Professor Raußendorf, hold a leading position in their field worldwide to successfully continue their work in Germany.

Prof. Robert Raußendorf © private Prof. Robert Raußendorf © private Prof. Robert Raußendorf © private © privat
  • Academic achievements

    In 2003, Prof. Dr. Robert Raußendorf completed his doctorate at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. As a postdoc, he joined Caltech (California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, United States) and subsequently the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada. Afterwards, he continued his academic career at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada: He became an assistant professor at UBC in 2008, an associate professor in 2013 and a full professor in 2021. He was a Sloan Research Fellow in 2009. This programme recognises outstanding researchers who have the potential to revolutionise their field. In 2021, he received the CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics of the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) and the Centre de Recherches Mathémathiques (CRM) of the University of Montreal. In summer 2023, he will join the LUH Faculty of Mathematics and Physics as an Alexander von Humboldt Professor. This is the first Alexander von Humboldt Professorship for LUH.

  • About the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship

    The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship is the most prestigious research award in Germany and brings top international researchers to German universities. Funding usually amounts to five million euros for researchers in experimental disciplines and 3.5 million euros for researchers like Prof. Dr. Raußendorf who work in theoretical disciplines. Funding is provided for a period of five years, which can be extended by up to two years. The money can be used flexibly; it is usually used for establishing research teams or for acquiring equipment.

    The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship is intended to enable award winners to successfully continue their work in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards up to ten professorships per year, which are funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. German universities and research institutions can nominate researchers from abroad from all disciplines who hold a leading international position in their field. Citizenship is not a decisive factor in the selection process. Approximately half of the award winners are German citizens returning from abroad.

    In addition to the outstanding academic achievements of the candidates, decisive factors include the concepts of the universities, which should offer the researchers and their teams a permanent prospect in Germany. The award winners are expected to make a lasting contribution to Germany’s international competitiveness as a research location through the scientific work made possible via the award.

Video statements regarding the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship

“What does the AvH Professorship mean to you?”

Please note that activating the video will result in the transfer of data to the respective provider. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.


Play video

Prof. Dr. Robert Raußendorf

“Why is it so important for Leibniz University Hannover?”

Please note that activating the video will result in the transfer of data to the respective provider. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.


Play video

Prof. Dr. Volker Epping, President of LUH

“How will it impact quantum research at Leibniz University Hannover?”

Please note that activating the video will result in the transfer of data to the respective provider. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.


Play video

Prof. Dr. Tobias J. Osborne, researcher who nominated Professor Raußendorf

The following websites may also be of interest

Please note that activating the video will result in the transfer of data to the respective provider. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.


Play video