•Notícia

Professor Maciej Lewenstein of the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), who is also a group leader at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), was awarded the highest distinction of its kind in Poland from the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP). The award, which has been given annually since 1992, aims to distinguish renowned scientists for significant advancements and scientific discoveries. Prof. Lewenstein is recognized for his exceptional contribution to the field of quantum optics and physics of ultracold gases. His theoretical works frequently feature breakthrough experiments, such as the first observation of dark solitons in Bose–Einstein condensates. In the past decade, Lewenstein has focused his research on strongly correlated ultracold quantum gases, which has led to the experimental realization of the so-called quantum simulators—the first dedicated special-purpose quantum computers.

This prestigious award honors Lewenstein as a leader in his field and crowns his many other distinctions such as the Humboldt Science Award (2007), the ERC Advanced Grant (2008) and the Hertz Foundation Award from the University of Hamburg (2010).

The FNP emphasizes that “as he contributes to the development of that domain, he also broadens the scope of knowledge on the fundamental principles of nature.”