Israel Prize winner shares insights

TECHNION Australia members and supporters were treated to a fascinating talk about the latest developments in quantum computing and laser technology research by 2014 Israel Prize for Physics winner Professor Mordechai Segev on February 20, during his private visit to Sydney.

Segev – from the Technion’s physics department, and who also won the EMET Prize in 2019 – discussed his particular research focus since 2013 in topological photonics, a sub-field making advances into lasers, and also the protection of quantum circuits.

He also recalled how his good friend Ben Eggleton, who is now the University of Sydney’s pro-vice chancellor of research, had worked with him on a joint research project for four years, funded by the NSW government and funds raised by Technion Australia, which “resulted in several very important [published scientific] papers”.

The event was held at the home of AJN publisher Robert and Ruth Magid.

Technion Australia president Ruth Ratner said, “We thank Bob and Ruth for their major contribution, and continued support [for the Technion] … and I’d like to thank Professor Segev very much for taking the time out of your personal visit to Australia to come and talk to us.

“Jews in Australia always look for a way to connect with Israel.

“So it’s a privilege to call you a friend, and to be able to go to the Technion in Israel and meet people that you spoke about tonight, and know we’ve contributed in some way to their work.”

New Technion Australia CEO Yoash Dvir said the charitable organisation continues to work towards establishing new collaborations with institutes in Australia and student exchange programs.

Thanking ‘Motti’ [Professor Segev] for his time, Dvir pointed out he is one of only 14 Technion staff who have attained the status of ‘distinguished professor’, and “he made his most important discoveries at the Technion”.

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