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Isaac Nape

Isaac Nape

Isaac Nape has been recognized internationally for his groundbreaking quantum research and his leading role in quantum technologies in South Africa while at the Structured Light Lab, School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand. He currently holds the OPTICA Emerging Leader in Optics Chair awarded by the prestigious OPTICA Society (previously Optical Society of America) and is hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand. 
 
He has gained international recognition for having pioneered several methods and techniques in the fields of fundamental quantum and classical optics, quantum imaging and quantum communication with outputs having been published in prestigious journals (Nature Photonics, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Laser Photonics reviews, Optica, Light Science and Applications, etc.) with impact factors as high as 36. Currently, he is establishing himself in the field of quantum computing where he focuses on quantum algorithms as a tool for solving inference and inverse problems in optics with his most recent work having been presented at the IBM Quantum Practitioner Forum (2023). 
 
At the age of 30, he has numerous awards for his science and innovation, including international awards from major optical societies. These include having received the prestigious Meiring Naudier Medal by the Royal Society of South Africa (2024), the Jubilee Silver Medal for Physics by the South African Institute of Physics (2023) – recognitions that underscore his significant contributions to quantum sciences, all achieved before the age of 35. Furthermore, his distinction places him as one of the top 200 young South Africans in technology and innovation by Mail&Guardian and having been selected to represent South Africa at the Global Young Scientists Summit further highlighting his influential standing. 
 
Isaac has successfully secured substantial funding from local and international funding bodies, including the Emerging Leader Fellowship grant by the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SAQuTI), the National Research Foundation (Rental Pool Programme, Thuthuka Grant, CSIR), and the prestigious Friedel Sellschop Fellowship. 

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  • Organization
    University of Witwatersrand
  • Profession
    Senior Lecturer
Related sessions
Discovery - Quantum for Good
Online
9 October 2025
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12:30 - 14:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Quantum World Tour: South Africa
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