UNSW quantum computing pioneer Andrew Dzurak awarded 2026 Walter Boas Medal 2026-09-02T09:00:00+10:00 The Australian Institute of Physics has recognised UNSW's Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak for his outstanding contribution to quantum computing. UNSW Sydney quantum computing expert Professor Andrew Dzurak has been awarded the 2026 Walter Boas Medal, one of Australia’s highest distinctions in physics, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to silicon-based quantum computing. The award was announced by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) as part of its 2026 national awards program. The Walter Boas Medal is awarded annually for excellence in research and acknowledges original work that has made an important contribution to physics in Australia. Established in 1984, the medal commemorates physicist and metallurgist Walter Moritz Boas, a key figure in Australian physics and an Honorary Fellow of the AIP. The 2026 Medal lauds Prof. Dzurak, who is also Founder and CEO of spinout quantum computing company Diraq as “pioneering research advancing silicon-based quantum computing”, a field in which he has been an international leader for more than two decades. The award citation highlights a body of work that has helped establish Diraq’s quantum bits (qubits) as one of the world’s leading approaches to building quantum computers at ‘utility scale’ – using existing manufacturing technology to produce systems whose economic value outweighs their cost. “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Walter Boas Medal from the Australian Institute of Physics,” Prof. Dzurak said. “This recognition reflects the work of an extraordinary group of researchers who have dedicated themselves to advancing quantum computing based on Diraq’s silicon spin qubits. It’s especially meaningful because it comes from Australia’s physics community, which has played such an important role in establishing the country’s global leadership in quantum technologies.” It’s especially meaningful because it comes from Australia’s physics community, which has played such