Blatt is recognized “for outstanding contributions to quantum optics, quantum information science, especially quantum computing and simulation, as well as precision measurements with trapped ions; and for scientific leadership promoting quantum information and nurturing young scientists.”

“Rainer Blatt is a visionary whose influence reaches beyond quantum physics. From his work teleporting atoms and developing a universal quantum simulator to applications for spectroscopy and metrology, he continues to push the limits of the field,” said Optica president Satoshi Kawata. “We also commend Rainer for his efforts to bring quantum science to the general public and young students through lectures and talks.”

The award by the Deutsche Physikalische Gesell­schaft (DPG) and Optica (formerly known as OSA) commemorates Max Planck Institute of Quantum Physics’ professor Herbert Walther’s ground­breaking innovations in quantum optics and atomic physics and other wide-ranging contributions to the scientific community. The Herbert Walther Award recognizes distinguished contributions in quantum optics and atomic physics as well as leadership in the inter­national scientific community.

Blatt is a professor of experimental physics and head of the Quantum Optics and Spectroscopy group at the University of Innsbruck. His research focuses on quantum optics and quantum information. His team is using trapped ions as a means to address fundamental questions in quantum optics, spectroscopy, and quantum information science.

Blatt received his PhD in physics from the University of Mainz, Germany, and through a research grant from the Deutsche Forschungs­gemeinschaft (DFG), joined JILA, USA, to work with Nobel Laureate and Optica Honorary Member, John Hall. He has held positions at the Free University of Berlin, the University of Hamburg, and the University of Göttingen, all in Germany. Since 2003, he has been the scientific director at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (Iqoqi) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).

A member of DPG and a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), Blatt serves on many councils, committees and advisory boards. He also supports the next generation of scientists through talks and outreach for teachers and high school students. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Carl Zeiss Research Award, the Stern-Gerlach-Medal, the John Stewart Bell Prize for Research on Fundamental Issues in Quantum Mechanics and their Applic­ations, the Micius Quantum Prize, and the Austrian Academy of Sciences Erwin Schrödinger, the highest Austrian research prize.