NITheCS Associate wins prize in global photo competition
We are delighted to congratulate NITheCS Associate Dr Yaseera Ismail for achieving second place in the “At a Glance” category of the IUPAP–IYQ2025 Photo Contest, held in celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Her striking image, “Experimental site of the optical ground station of the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere at Stellenbosch University,” reflects a historic achievement in the field of quantum communication, in which the longest quantum-secure satellite link in the world to date was established, between China and South Africa.
This milestone event, achieved in March 2025, was realised through collaboration with Prof Francesco Petruccione, Professor of Quantum Computing in the School of Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University and Director of NITheCS.
This recognition highlights Dr Ismail’s contribution to advancing quantum science and her role in showcasing its beauty and global impact. Her photograph vividly captures the innovation and pioneering spirit driving quantum research in South Africa.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to IUPAP for recognising the groundbreaking collaborative work between the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Stellenbosch University (SU)," said Dr Ismail, a Physicist, Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, and Quantum Physicist leading the QuPhotonics Lab. "This recognition celebrates not only the scientific achievements but also the spirit of international partnership that drives innovation forward.”
The contest invited participants from around the world to portray the beauty of quantum phenomena and the ways in which quantum science and technology influence our daily lives, research, and education. The ‘At a Glance’ category sought photographs that visually represent quantum-related effects and instruments through direct observation.
The winning photographs were selected by a jury for their scientific relevance, artistic quality, and capacity to communicate the fascination of quantum science to a broader audience. These photographs not only celebrate the centennial of quantum mechanics but also illustrate how quantum science continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation worldwide.
