Dr Daniel Ruttley Awarded Entanglement Prize at Quantum Talents Symposium in Munich

The Prize was conferred following a highly competitive final, in which early-career researchers from around the world presented their cutting-edge work to a distinguished scientific jury at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics.

Dr Ruttley’s research focuses on exploiting ultracold molecules for quantum science and technology. In a pioneering experiment conducted at Durham University, he and his colleagues demonstrated long-lived quantum entanglement of molecules. Using a state-of-the-art apparatus, they manipulate individually trapped atoms with precisely controlled laser beams. The atoms are cooled to temperatures just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero, carefully assembled into ultracold molecules, and entangled in pairs through advanced quantum control techniques.

This breakthrough enables the molecules to act as highly sensitive quantum-enhanced sensors for detecting external fields, opening new avenues in precision measurement and quantum technologies.

Professor Ifan Hughes, Head of QLM, commented: “We are delighted that Daniel has been recognised with the Entanglement Prize. His innovative work on long-lived molecular entanglement represents a major advance in the burgeoning field of quantum science and highlights the world-class research being carried out by the QLM group. This award is a testament to Daniel’s dedication and potential to shape the future of quantum technologies.”

For more information:

Quantum Talents Symposium 2025 | Munich Quantum Valley