James Watson (2022-2024)

James is a theoretical quantum physicist working at the interface between computer science, mathematics and physics. His work focuses on using tools from theoretical computer science to explore complex physical systems. In particular, what are the limitations on what we are able to find out about how a system behaves just given just a microscopic description of the physics? Are there physical phenomena which are just too complicated for us to understand? His broader research interests involve using quantum computers to simulate physical systems and in quantum complexity theory. James received his PhD from University College London in 2021. He was a QuICS Postdoctoral Scholar from 2022 to 2024. He continued on as a Quantum Computing Research Scientist at JP Morgan's Quantum Algorithms Group.