John Bartholomew, a scientist at the University of Sydney, is at the forefront of quantum computing research, aiming to develop technologies that could revolutionize the way we connect and communicate. Raised in Corowa, Australia, Bartholomew’s childhood curiosity about how things work has evolved into a groundbreaking career in quantum science.
As a young boy in Albury, Bartholomew was always fascinated by technology, often dismantling devices to understand their mechanics. “I was someone who was very frustrated when I didn’t understand how things worked,” he recalled. His relentless curiosity, alongside a supportive family environment, laid the foundation for his future in advanced science.
Building a Quantum Future
Now leading a group of PhD students, Bartholomew focuses on the development of a quantum internet, a technology that uses quantum mechanics to enable secure communication between quantum computers and sensors. This innovative approach is projected to unlock significant economic potential in Australia, with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) estimating that the quantum industry could be valued at $2.2 billion and create approximately 8700 jobs within five years.
“The application space to improve how we can solve problems is really large,” Bartholomew stated. He compared the current excitement surrounding quantum technology to the early days of classical computing, emphasizing that the potential applications of quantum computing are vast and largely unexplored. “We’re unlocking this new regime that allows us to compute some problems much faster than we can with today’s technology,” he explained.
The quantum internet is not merely an upgrade to existing technologies; it represents a fundamental shift in how information is processed and communicated. Bartholomew noted that this new technology allows researchers to zoom in on nature at the atomic level, unlocking new computational capabilities that traditional systems cannot achieve.
Encouraging Future Innovators
Bartholomew, who grew up in a close-knit community, encourages young people in the Riverina region to pursue careers in science and technology. He recently participated in an event at Xavier Catholic College in North Albury, where he spoke about the pathways available to students interested in advanced scientific fields. “Just because you’re outside of the major city centres, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be involved in these advanced fields,” he said.
His message resonates with the idea that Australia’s relative isolation has historically fostered a culture of innovation. “When challenges arise, we’ve had to find ways to solve them ourselves,” he noted, reflecting on the resilience and resourcefulness he sees in Australian communities.
Bartholomew’s faith and spirituality also inform his work. He believes that service to others is essential and broadens one’s perspective beyond personal ambition. “It gives me a framework to deal with all sorts of situations that arise,” he said.
His journey, from a curious boy dismantling gadgets in Corowa to a leader in quantum research, exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity and determination. As he continues to push the boundaries of quantum technology, Bartholomew remains excited about the uncharted territories that lie ahead. “The exciting thing about quantum is that as the technology matures, we’re going to see applications that we haven’t even thought of yet,” he concluded.
