Quantum computing promises to tackle problems that are beyond the reach of today’s classical computers, with potential applications ranging from discovering new medicines to developing materials for cleaner energy.

For Professor Muhammad Usman (Usman), Professor of Quantum Computing at Monash University in Melbourne, helping turn that promise into practical technology is at the heart of his work.

Usman develops new quantum algorithms and software tools that harness properties such as superposition and entanglement. He also leads a team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students and helps train the next generation of quantum scientists.

His journey to the forefront of quantum computing began with two things he loved from an early age: mathematics and science.

Mathematics led the way

Usman’s path into physics began with a childhood strength in mathematics and a passion for science.

“Physics was always going to be my favourite science subject due to its strong nexus with mathematics,” he says.

At university, that interest deepened as he discovered the extraordinary range of questions physics could help him explore.

“I learned physics can offer answers to all of my questions, whether they are at the scale of the universe or at the size of an atom. That kept me inspired to learn more and more.”

Usman completed his PhD at Purdue University in the United States, investigating interactions between light and matter in semiconductor quantum dots.

As a computational physicist, he developed models and software capable of simulating the electronic and photonic properties of materials at atomistic resolution using high-performance supercomputers.

It was work that combined physics, mathematics and computing – a combination that would become increasingly important throughout his career.

From fundamental physics to real-world applications

Usman’s career has taken him between academia and applied research.

From 2022 to 2026, he worked at CSIRO as a Senior Principal Scientist, an experience that broadened the way he thought about the purpose and potential of research.

“At university I was primarily focused on advancing fundamental science through new discoveries,” he says. “At CSIRO I also learned the applied side of it, with the focus on transforming research discoveries into products with real-world applications.”

Now at Monash University, Usman leads a team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working to advance quantum computing, while also teaching the next generation of quantum scientists.

His research focuses on developing new algorithms and software tools that exploit the unusual properties of quantum mechanics.

For Usman, the fact that quantum computing is still an emerging technology makes it particularly compelling.

“There are still a number of challenges to be addressed, which is very exciting for me as a researcher who strives to come up with new and innovative ideas to advance the field.”

The potential applications are enormous. Quantum computers could eventually help tackle problems that are difficult or impossible for today’s computers, with potential applications spanning medicine, materials discovery and clean energy.

Inspired by the quantum world

Ask Usman who, or what, has inspired him most, and his answer is not another physicist.

It is the electron.

Although electrons were discovered in 1897 and have been studied for more than a century, their quantum behaviour continues to fascinate him.

“If we look at them, they are particles, but if we do not look at them, they are waves,” he says.

That sense that there is always something more to understand has helped sustain his curiosity throughout his career.

It also explains the advice he would give his younger self.

“If I ever had a time machine to go back in time, I would tell my younger self to stop worrying too much about the future and just enjoy the present, as everything will turn out to be just fine.”

The next century of quantum physics

A century after the development of modern quantum mechanics, Usman believes we are entering a period when decades of fundamental research will increasingly be translated into practical technologies.

“I am most excited about how 100 years of quantum physics knowledge will transform into useful quantum technologies in the near future.”

He believes the physicists who help make that transition will need skills that reach beyond physics alone.

With rapid advances in artificial intelligence, computing and engineering, Usman encourages students and early-career physicists to embrace tools and knowledge from other disciplines.

“We are living in a world of unprecedented technological advancements,” he says. “A future physicist will likely be a multidimensional scientist who can effectively use advanced computer science and engineering tools to solve challenging physics problems.”

For Usman, however, the quality at the heart of physics remains much simpler: curiosity.

“Physics got me here by teaching me how to be curious and keep digging deeper and deeper until I find an answer.”

This article was first published in September 2026, as part of the AIP's #PhysicsGotMeHere series, featuring some of the career pathways that have been made possible by a physics degree.

This article was first published in September 2026, as part of the AIP's #PhysicsGotMeHere series, featuring some of the career pathways that have been made possible by a physics degree.