Alastair Abbott
About Alastair Abbott
Alastair Abbott is a Research Scientist at Inria in Grenoble, France, specializing in quantum information processing. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Physics from the University of Auckland and has extensive research experience across various institutions.
Work at Inria
Alastair Abbott has been employed as a Research Scientist (Chargé de recherche) at Inria since 2020. He is based in Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. His research at Inria involves exploring the causal structure of quantum information processing, focusing on new models that incorporate intrinsically quantum control structures. Abbott's work contributes to the advancement of knowledge in quantum information science.
Education and Expertise
Alastair Abbott holds multiple degrees from the University of Auckland. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science and Physics from 2012 to 2015. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science (MSc) in the same fields from 2010 to 2011, and he achieved a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours in 2009. Additionally, he studied at the École normale supérieure, where he obtained another PhD in Computer Science and Physics from 2013 to 2015.
Background
Before joining Inria, Alastair Abbott held various academic positions. He worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Geneva from 2018 to 2020 and at Institut Néel CNRS in Grenoble from 2015 to 2018. His earlier experience includes roles as a Research Programmer and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Auckland, where he contributed to both Computer Science and Physics departments from 2008 to 2015.
Research Focus
Alastair Abbott's research primarily focuses on the causal structure of quantum information processing. He investigates new models that feature intrinsically quantum control structures. His interests also extend to the certification of quantum resources, quantum communication, quantum randomness, and the foundations of quantum mechanics. Abbott explores the application of algorithmic information theory within the realm of quantum information.
Professional Experience
Throughout his career, Alastair Abbott has accumulated extensive experience in both research and teaching. He has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in both Physics and Computer Science at the University of Auckland from 2008 to 2015. His postdoctoral research roles at Institut Néel CNRS and the University of Geneva involved collaboration with notable researchers, including Cyril Branciard and Nicolas Brunner.