UU alumn Marien Raat studies how game theory and quantum computing converge

The Vliegenthart Thesis Award was awarded to Marien Raat in 2024. His thesis explored the limits of computer calculations. During our conversation on quantum mechanics and relativity theory, I had to drop out at one point.

Now I don't understand. What do you mean: looking at the state, the state changes?

Marien: That's a quantum mechanical phenomenon called superposition. Very small particles can be in two places at once, until a measurement determines where they are. The measurement itself changes the particle's state. That this is difficult to grasp makes perfect sense.

People call you a genius. How do you feel about that?

Marien: Flattering, but I don't identify with it. That my thesis turned out well is because I find the subject fascinating. I think the freedom you get at university, to dive into such a subject as a researcher, is very nice and also kind of unique.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Marien: Haha, I also got that question from grade 7 students when we told about our research. Quantum mechanics is quite a technical subject for young children but my current PhD supervisor made a tic-tac-toe game with quantum rules. We played that with them. Great success! I love programming and making things, but my ambition is to become a scientist.

Have you met Hans Vliegenthart?

Marien: Yes, at the opening of the academic year. He had read my thesis and was very engaged, very special and fun.

Marien is now working on his PhD at Leiden University. He is researching how game theory and quantum computing converge and how knowledge about this can become more accessible through gamification.