The Dodd-Walls Centre

The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is a world class organisation building on Aotearoa New Zealand’s (NZ) internationally acknowledged strength in the fields of quantum optics, photonics and precision atomic physics. Photonics, the manipulation of the quantum building blocks of light, and the precision control of matter at the atomic scale through the use of light, underpin technological development in areas such as computing, advanced sensing technologies and medical imaging, and communication. The photonics industry in NZ is already worth at least $1.2bn and is growing at 10% per annum. In addition, the world is entering a second quantum revolution. The first gave us silicon-based electronics. The second is set to revolutionise how we process information, sense our environment and understand our world.

The UK, Europe and the US have already pledged over NZ$4bn in additional funding for this quantum revolution. China is committing similar, undisclosed levels of funding. The Dodd-Walls Centre, as the nation’s greatest engine of physical sciences research (42% of NZ impact in the Physical Sciences, ten Marsden and four MBIE Smart Ideas awards in the 2019 funding round) is in a unique position to capture value for NZ from this multi-billion dollar global investment. The Centre is already making significant contributions to the advancement of this revolution.
 

In addition to our economic impact, we directly improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders through our environmental and medical research. We are developing new tools and techniques for detecting and treating cancer, for example, and have established the NZ node of the Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Network. We work with partners in the AgTech and Māori Economy sectors to improve the rural economy. We have a direct impact upon the wellbeing of our people and Aotearoa - this beautiful country in which we all live.

Photonics and quantum technologies are set to be significant drivers of the diversification of the NZ economy across the next decade. The Centre continues to build upon our existing internationally-acknowledged research strength, with a programme of strategically targeted research questions which maximise our impact on a global scale.