# Stephanie Wehner

> physicist and computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q7608426](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7608426)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Wehner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stephanie-wehner

## Summary
Stephanie Wehner is a German physicist and computer scientist who serves as a leading researcher in quantum technologies at Delft University of Technology and QuTech. She is internationally recognized for her fundamental contributions to quantum cryptography and quantum networks, having received the prestigious Ammodo Science Award (2019) and Körber European Science Prize (2025).

## Biography
- Born: 8 May 1977, Würzburg, Germany
- Nationality: Germany
- Education: BSc, MSc, and PhD from University of Amsterdam (1999-2008); exchange at University of New South Wales (2003)
- Known for: Fundamental research in quantum cryptography and quantum networks
- Employer(s): Delft University of Technology/QuTech (2014-present); Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore (2010-2016); California Institute of Technology (2008-2010); XS4ALL (1997-1999)
- Field(s): quantum physics, computer science, cryptography

## Contributions
Wehner has established herself as a pioneer in quantum information science through her groundbreaking work on quantum cryptography protocols and the theoretical foundations of quantum networks. Her research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of quantum communication security, particularly in developing practical quantum key distribution systems and quantum repeaters. She has published extensively on quantum entanglement distillation, quantum error correction for communication, and the fundamental limits of quantum cryptography. Her work on quantum network architectures has helped shape the roadmap for building scalable quantum internet infrastructure. As the roadmap leader at QuTech, she coordinates one of the world's most ambitious quantum internet development programs, translating theoretical advances into experimental implementations. Her contributions to quantum position verification protocols and device-independent quantum cryptography have opened new avenues for secure quantum communication.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Stephanie Wehner's current position?
A: She is a professor at Delft University of Technology and leads the quantum internet roadmap at QuTech, the quantum technology institute of TU Delft and TNO.

### Q: What awards has Stephanie Wehner received?
A: She received the Ammodo Science Award for Fundamental Research in 2019 and the Körber European Science Prize in 2025 for her contributions to quantum research.

### Q: Where did Stephanie Wehner complete her education?
A: She earned all her degrees (BSc, MSc, and PhD) from the University of Amsterdam between 1999 and 2008, with an exchange period at the University of New South Wales.

### Q: What organizations has she been affiliated with?
A: She has worked at XS4ALL, California Institute of Technology, Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore, and since 2014 at QuTech/Delft University of Technology.

## Why They Matter
Stephanie Wehner's work sits at the crucial intersection of theoretical physics and practical quantum engineering, making her contributions essential for the future quantum internet. Her research has established fundamental security limits for quantum communication protocols while simultaneously developing practical solutions for real-world quantum networks. By bridging the gap between abstract quantum mechanics and implementable quantum technologies, she has accelerated the transition from quantum theory to quantum infrastructure. Her leadership at QuTech places her at the forefront of European quantum initiatives, influencing how quantum networks will be built and secured globally. Without her contributions, our understanding of quantum network security would be significantly limited, and the development of a quantum internet would lack the robust theoretical foundations necessary for scalable implementation.

## Notable For
- Recipient of the 2019 Ammodo Science Award for Fundamental Research
- Winner of the 2025 Körber European Science Prize
- Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Leads the quantum internet roadmap at QuTech, one of Europe's premier quantum research centers
- Published extensively in quantum cryptography with significant contributions to quantum network protocols

## Body
### Early Career and Education
Stephanie Wehner began her academic journey at the University of Amsterdam in 1999, where she completed her entire tertiary education through doctoral studies. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree by 2002, followed by a Master of Science, and ultimately her PhD in February 2008. During her studies, she spent time as an exchange student at the University of New South Wales in 2003, broadening her international perspective on computer science and physics.

### Professional Trajectory
Following her doctoral studies, Wehner's career path demonstrates a clear focus on quantum technologies. She held a postdoctoral position at the California Institute of Technology from 2008 to 2010, where she deepened her expertise in quantum information science. In 2010, she moved to Singapore to join the newly established Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore, where she worked until 2016. Since 2014, she has been based at Delft University of Technology, where she holds a position at QuTech, the quantum technology institute jointly operated by TU Delft and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

### Research Focus
Wehner's research spans the critical areas of quantum physics, computer science, and cryptography. Her work has particularly focused on the theoretical foundations of quantum communication and the development of quantum network protocols. She has made significant contributions to understanding the security limitations and possibilities of quantum cryptographic systems, including quantum key distribution and position-based quantum cryptography.

### Leadership and Recognition
Beyond her research contributions, Wehner plays a crucial leadership role in the quantum technology community. She serves as the roadmap leader for the quantum internet initiative at QuTech, coordinating efforts to develop scalable quantum networks. Her membership in the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences reflects her standing in the scientific community. The recognition through major awards, including the Ammodo Science Award and Körber Prize, underscores the fundamental importance of her contributions to quantum science.

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## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Source](https://qutech.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CV-Wehner-May2019-2.pdf)
3. [Source](https://ammodo-science-award.org/fundamental/laureate/stephanie-wehner/)
4. Virtual International Authority File