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Alexander von Humboldt Professorship 2025

Andreas Winter

Andreas Winter is a distinguished theoretical physicist and expert on quantum information theory. His research focuses on the mathematical principles of quantum information. By appointing Winter, the University of Cologne wants to continue developing its computer science department with a focus on quantum informatics.

  • Nominating University: University of Cologne
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Quantum information

The quantum information research field deals with the theory and application of information described by the laws of quantum mechanics. Whilst classic units of information are based on bits that can only assume the state 0 and 1, quantum information uses qubits. Through superposition, a qubit can exist in 0 and 1 at the same time, which opens up new opportunities in information processing and communications.

Andreas Winter does pioneering basic research in this field. In the last two decades, he has shaped quantum informatics with a continuous stream of groundbreaking achievements. His main focus is on quantum Shannon theory which explores the ultimate physical boundaries of the storage, transmission and processing of information. Andreas Winter’s work combines information theory with physics and computer science and generates developments ranging from concrete physical applications to fundamental mathematics.

Expanding informatics into a fully-fledged department within the Faculty of Science is currently one of the University of Cologne’s most important strategic goals. Quantum informatics with a focus on data science and artificial intelligence is supposed to form an interdisciplinary field located between physics and computer science. Andreas Winter is invited to assume the new Chair in Quantum Communication and help to link computer science with the most recent developments in quantum technology.

Brief bio

Andreas Winter read mathematics at Konstanz and Berlin, completing his doctorate at Bielefeld University in 1999. He subsequently moved to the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, where he was appointed to a professorship in the physics of information in 2006. In 2012, he accepted an appointment at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain. His projects have received funding, including an ERC Advanced Grant; in 2022, he was granted the Humboldt Research Award and the Hans Fischer Senior Fellowship by TU Munich.

Andreas Winter has been selected for a Humboldt Professorship and is currently conducting appointment negotiations with the German university that nominated him for the award. If the negotiations end successfully, the award will be granted in 2025.