The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is a world class organisation building on Aotearoa New Zealand’s (NZ) internationally acknowledged strength in the fields of quantum optics, photonics and precision atomic physics. Photonics, the manipulation of the quantum building blocks of light, and the precision control of matter at the atomic scale through the use of light, underpin technological development in areas such as computing, advanced sensing technologies and medical imaging, and communication. The photonics industry in NZ is already worth at least $1.2bn and is growing at 10% per annum. In addition, the world is entering a second quantum revolution. The first gave us silicon-based electronics. The second is set to revolutionise how we process information, sense our environment and understand our world.
The UK, Europe and the US have already pledged over NZ$4bn in additional funding for this quantum revolution. China is committing similar, undisclosed levels of funding. The Dodd-Walls Centre, as the nation’s greatest engine of physical sciences research (42% of NZ impact in the Physical Sciences, ten Marsden and four MBIE Smart Ideas awards in the 2019 funding round) is in a unique position to capture value for NZ from this multi-billion dollar global investment. The Centre is already making significant contributions to the advancement of this revolution.
In addition to our economic impact, we directly improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders through our environmental and medical research. We are developing new tools and techniques for detecting and treating cancer, for example, and have established the NZ node of the Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Network. We work with partners in the AgTech and Māori Economy sectors to improve the rural economy. We have a direct impact upon the wellbeing of our people and Aotearoa - this beautiful country in which we all live.
Photonics and quantum technologies are set to be significant drivers of the diversification of the NZ economy across the next decade. The Centre continues to build upon our existing internationally-acknowledged research strength, with a programme of strategically targeted research questions which maximise our impact on a global scale.
As a Centre of Research Excellence, the Dodd-Walls Centre has over 220 researchers and students from six partner institutions, working in quantum optics, photonics and precision atomic physics. The Centre engages in educational outreach and commercialisation activities
Since the awarding of a second tranche of research funding from the Tertiary Education Commission our research focus is based on five research questions.
With our Lab in a Box we can take science into the hard to reach communities, we work in partnership with Otago Museum and MOTAT to deliver fun and interesting immersive science activities.
We take part in the Otago University Science Academy, Science Wānanga and attend ASB Polyfest in addition to organising our annual Symposium.
There are many ways in which you can join the Dodd-Walls Centre family. As a student we offer summer scholarships, undergraduate scholarships, masters scholarships and our prestigious PhD scholarship. You may join us as a Research Fellow, Post-doctoral researcher, as an Associate Investigator or as a Principal Investigator.
Te Whai Ao — Dodd-Walls Centre is comprised of fantastic researchers, investigations, postdoctoral fellows, and students. Find out more about our members here
Co-developing and delivering education outreach content and activities that integrate indigenous knowledge and priorities in a manner that better serves Māori and Pasifika communities.
Our Science Advisory Board (SAB) members are world leading scientists in the fields of research represented by the Dodd-Walls Centre. This international SAB meets every two years.
We produce an Annual Report showcasing the Centre’s research successes.
We’d be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in collaborating with us or you have an innovative research idea.
