Open quantum systems
Developing the theory and methods needed to describe quantum systems in contact with complex environments, from non-Markovian dynamics to stochastic simulation.
Professor · Researcher · Scientific leader
Quantum systems,
intelligent machines.
I study how quantum systems interact, learn and communicate—and how AI and quantum technologies can help reshape scientific discovery.
Professor of Quantum ComputingStellenbosch University
Pro Vice-ChancellorAI & Quantum Technologies
DirectorNITheCS
Interactive fieldMove to perturb
Research field
Where information meets the physical world.
My work connects foundational quantum theory with the algorithms, networks and institutions needed to turn new science into shared capability.
Quantum machine learning
Investigating what quantum computers can contribute to learning, classification and scientific discovery—and where their real advantage may lie.
Quantum communication
Advancing secure quantum networks and the technologies that connect them, including South Africa’s role in long-distance quantum key distribution.
AI-augmented science
Exploring AI as a new scientific method while building the research networks, skills and institutions that can expand Africa’s scientific capacity.
Selected publications
Ideas built to travel.
2025NatureMicrosatellite-based real-time quantum key distributionA 12,900 km secure quantum link between China and South Africa—the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere.2021Book · SpringerMachine Learning with Quantum ComputersWith Maria Schuld. A systematic introduction to the emerging field of quantum machine learning, now in its second edition.2015Contemporary PhysicsAn introduction to quantum machine learningWith Maria Schuld and Ilya Sinayskiy. An early map of the meeting point between quantum computing and machine learning.2002Book · Oxford University PressThe Theory of Open Quantum SystemsWith Heinz-Peter Breuer. A foundational account of the dynamics of quantum systems interacting with their environments.
Biography
From open systems to open institutions: advancing fundamental science and the communities that make it possible.
Francesco Petruccione is a physicist working at the frontier of quantum science, computation and research leadership.
He is Professor of Quantum Computing in the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies at Stellenbosch University. He also directs the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS).
He earned his PhD and Habilitation in Theoretical Physics at the University of Freiburg. Before joining Stellenbosch, he was Professor of Theoretical Physics and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Big Data and Informatics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he held the South African Research Chair in Quantum Information Processing and Communication.
His widely cited work includes approximately 250 refereed papers and the monographs The Theory of Open Quantum Systems and Machine Learning with Quantum Computers. He is a fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Royal Society of South Africa and the African Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Stella d’Italia.
Alongside his research, he helps connect institutions across Africa and Europe, co-leading the Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in AI and Data Science and serving on editorial boards spanning open systems, quantum machine intelligence and scientific publishing.
Writings & perspectives
Thinking in public.
Notes and conversations on the changing practice of science, quantum technology and Africa’s place in the next computing era.
The fifth paradigm: AI as a new scientific method
On AI as an active participant in research—and why human judgement must remain at the centre of discovery.
Read perspectiveBeyond smaller transistors: what South Africa should build next
A perspective on advanced chips, efficient AI, quantum technologies and the human capital required for the next computing era.
Read perspectiveA quantum link across 12,900 kilometres
How international collaboration and a portable ground station brought the first quantum satellite link to the Southern Hemisphere.
Read perspectiveContinue the conversation