Prof Tjaart Krüger, Unlocking the quantum design of photosynthesis 4 bioinspired solar technologies

Описание: Prof Tjaart Krüger is an associate professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Pretoria (UP). He completed a master’s degree in computational space physics at Northwest University (NWU) and a PhD and postdoc in experimental biophysics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research interests include developing and using advanced laser spectroscopy techniques, complemented by theoretical and computational approaches, to resolve the molecular details of energy transfer and regulation in various photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes and to apply the underlying design principles to improve crop yield or to enhance the design and performance of solar cell devices. He has published over 70 journal articles and supervised over 50 students. He is a former executive committee member of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), a current councilor of the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics, and a senior editor of the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.

Background:
In support of the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IQY2025), the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosted a discussion forum on 27-28 August 2025 that focused on how quantum science and technology could help address major global and national challenges. The event brought researchers, engineers, and industry professionals together to explore South Africa’s progress in quantum research, the opportunities created by the second quantum revolution, and the skills and collaborations needed for future development.

The discussions focused on the practical applications of Quantum Science and Technology across various sectors. Key themes included, among others, the use of quantum computing, quantum biosensing, the commercialisation and industry uptake of quantum technologies, as well as cybersecurity challenges and opportunities in the quantum era. These topics aim to highlight both the transformative potential and real-world impact of emerging quantum innovations.