Filipa Peres

What I do

Quantum computers promise to revolutionize computation. As recent experiments herald a new stage in quantum computing research, a central question arises: How can quantum processors be effectively integrated into existing high-performance computing ecosystems?

My research addresses this question by developing novel hybrid quantum-classical frameworks, essential for both near-term devices and future fault-tolerant solutions. These paradigms aim to harness the strengths of both quantum and classical resources to enable scalable, efficient solutions to real-world problems across various fields.

A central insight in my ongoing work is that all hybrid schemes make fundamental use of classical simulation methods. This observation offers a unified perspective and a roadmap to extend hybrid approaches by drawing from the diversity of classical simulators. However, this is far from straightforward, as important fundamental phenomena seem to hinder the hybridisation of some classical simulators. My research focuses on identifying and overcoming these challenges while incorporating crucial practical considerations, such as noise effects in quantum hardware, limited qubit connectivity, and the integration of quantum error mitigation and correction strategies.

Why it matters

Before starting my PhD in quantum computing, I was working in industry for 6 years as an optical design engineer for a product development department. While that was a very rewarding experience, where I learned a lot and acquired many skills that I am grateful for, after a while I felt that I stopped learning and that every day I did more or less ‘the same thing’. That never happens now, doing research in quantum computing. Every day is exciting! Whether it is a new groundbreaking result from other researchers, learning something new, finally solving a problem I have been tackling, or striking a new collaboration with other cool researchers, no day is ever the same. Plus, quantum computers are just really cool…!