Hub Investigator on UNESCO's Quantum 100 List

QEPNT's Deputy Prinicipal Investigator, Professor Jennifer Hastie, has been named on the Quantum 100 list, one of four academics based in UK universities to be included.

Jennifer leads a research team at the Institute which is focused on developing advanced laser systems that enable emerging quantum technologies. She has also played a pivotal role in Scotland-wide and UK-wide partnerships in quantum and photonics.

Quantum 100 is a global snapshot of careers and communities to recognise and champion people around the world who are working to advance research, innovation, and education.

Quantum technologies harness the strange properties of quantum physics – such as superposition and entanglement – to create ultra-precise sensors, secure communications, and next-generation timing systems like atomic clocks.

Applications

Photonics – the science and technology of light – underpins many aspects of quantum science and innovation. From ultra-stable lasers for cooling atoms to miniaturized optical circuits, photonics provides the tools that make quantum applications possible.

Professor Hastie said: "It’s an honour to be included in this international list, which highlights the global momentum behind quantum science and technology. Quantum is transforming fields from navigation to healthcare, and photonics is at the heart of this revolution. Photonics technologies are essential for quantum systems – whether it’s generating and controlling quantum states or enabling ultra-precision measurements."

Research Excellence

Professor Hastie served a term as the Institute of Photonics’ Director from 2022 to 2025. During this time, Strathclyde received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for excellence in its photonics research and innovation. She is Deputy Principal Investigator in the UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation & Timing (QEPNT) and has the same role in Scotland’s Photonics & Quantum Accelerator.

In her career, Professor Hastie has published more than 60 articles and research papers, with a main focus on optically-pumped semiconductor and solid-state lasers for applications in metrology and quantum technology.

In 2024, she was named in the international 2025 Photonics 100 list, published by Electro Optics magazine. In 2023, she was elected to the Fellowship of Optica, the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics.