Jens Eisert
Jens Eisert is a theoretical physicist whose work connects quantum computing with machine learning and artificial intelligence. Trained in physics and mathematics, he moved through posts in Potsdam and London before joining Freie Universität Berlin as a professor. His work on quantum machine learning includes a 2024 study of model generalization and a 2025 research collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences. As of October 2026, he is a Berlin professor whose group works on software for quantum computers.
Timeline
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By 2001
From physics to quantum information
He studies physics and mathematics at the University of Freiburg, attends the University of Connecticut on a Fulbright scholarship, and earns a doctorate in theoretical physics at Potsdam in 2001. Around 2000, the emerging field of quantum information draws him in as he searches for a PhD topic.
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By 2011
From London to Berlin
A Humboldt research fellowship takes him to Imperial College London, where he moves from a junior professorship to his first permanent post as a lecturer. By 2011, he has held professorships in Potsdam and at Freie Universität Berlin.
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2023
Testing quantum computing's limits
Eisert receives an ERC Advanced Grant for DebuQC, a five-year project to answer core questions about quantum technology and explore its limits.
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March 2024
Rethinking quantum learning
With Elies Gil-Fuster and Carlos Bravo-Prieto, he studies generalization in quantum machine learning. Their experiments show that quantum neural networks fit random states and randomly labeled training data.
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2025
Connecting AI and quantum research
He initiates a quantum machine-learning collaboration between Freie Universität Berlin and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, with support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and DAAD. In an ML4Q&A episode, he discusses a white paper on AI and quantum computing.
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As of October 2026
Working on quantum software
He is a professor of theoretical physics at Freie Universität Berlin and is affiliated with the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute and Helmholtz Center Berlin. His work covers quantum information theory and complex systems. His group works on quantum-computer software at the boundary of mathematical theory and practical applications. Freie Universität Berlin is among the participants in a global Quantum Software Alliance.
Sources and credits
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- Quantum Physicist Jens Eisert Receives European Research Council Grant
- Interview with Jens Eisert on Quantum Computing, Google Collaboration, and Outreach – MATH+
- Prof. Dr. Jens Eisert (FU Berlin) | Quantum technology from Berlin
- Understanding quantum machine learning also requires rethinking generalization | Nature Communications
- Exzellente Quantenphysikforschung zwischen Europa und Afrika • Physik • Freie Universität Berlin
- ML4Q&A Talks with Jens Eisert about Joining ML4Q, No-Go Theorems and Benchmarking | ML4Q
- Prof. Dr. Jens Eisert • Quantum information theory, quantum many-body theory, and quantum optics • Physics • Creating Fundamentals for Future Innovations
- Allianz entwickelt Software für Quantencomputer • campus.leben • Freie Universität Berlin