May 20, 2026 -- Dr. Julian Berberich has received a grant of 1.16 million euros from the German Research Foundation (DFG) to establish a new Emmy Noether Junior Research Group. As a control engineer at the University of Stuttgart, Berberich is researching methods to make quantum algorithms more robust. This would make quantum computers more resilient to environmental noise.

“Quantum computers can solve certain problems much faster than classical computers, such as simulating complex quantum systems for potential applications in materials research, chemistry, or drug development,” says Dr. Julian Berberich from the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Systems Theory and Automatic Control (IST). “Yet despite enormous progress in quantum hardware, it remains challenging to harness this potential.” This is because highly sensitive quantum hardware cannot be completely shielded from environmental noise. Therefore, the results calculated using quantum computers may be incorrect.

Naturally robust algorithms

“Previous approaches often separate error handling from the analysis and design of quantum algorithms, for example by applying error correction after the fact,” says Berberich. “But this means the potential for more robust algorithms remains untapped.” The engineer aims to change that with a control-theoretic approach. “The new research group aims to develop methods to systematically analyze the robustness and stability of quantum algorithms. Building on this, we aim to design algorithms that are inherently more robust and therefore run more reliably on current quantum hardware.”

The concept behind control theory: By continuously measuring and automatically readjusting, a system can regulate itself in such a way that it performs exactly as intended, even in the event of malfunctions. A simple example is the cruise control in a car. To travel at a constant speed, it must be able to respond to factors such as headwinds, uphill slopes, or downhill slopes without human intervention in order to maintain a constant speed.

Not every algorithm is equally effective

What Berberich now plans to do in his research can also be illustrated using an analogy with a car: finding the optimal route when navigating. There are usually several ways to get from one place to another. The fastest route might not be the best one, because it includes a dirt road with potholes –which could result in a trip to the repair shop. An alternative route, on the other hand, may take a little longer, but it’s paved all the way. The same applies to quantum algorithms: one might be very fast, but also more prone to errors, which is why it may be better to choose an algorithm that is slightly slower but also more robust.

“We want to mathematically analyze how errors arise in any quantum algorithm,” explains Berberich. “First, we determine the difference from the ideal – that is, error-free – quantum algorithm. The question then is how we can effectively apply this knowledge to real quantum hardware in order to reduce its susceptibility to errors. “To that end, we can always tweak various algorithm parameters.”

Collaboration with physics and computer science

To this end, Berberich's team is collaborating with other research groups. On the theoretical side, a collaboration with Prof. Mariami Gachechiladze of TU Darmstadt is planned. She is considered an expert in models used to describe errors in quantum computers. On the experimental side, Berberich is collaborating with Prof. Tilman Pfau at the University of Stuttgart's 5th Institute of Physics. His group researches quantum hardware based on so-called Rydberg atoms.

The experiments primarily aim to determine whether Berberich’s theoretical predictions regarding the suitability of various quantum algorithms are accurate. “In a second step, we will investigate how the specific properties of a Rydberg quantum computer can be leveraged to design robust algorithms,” the engineer explains. His group also plans to test these two questions experimentally using a superconducting quantum computer. Such systems are already available through commercial cloud-based services.

A highly interdisciplinary research group

“Our research takes place at the intersection of physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering,” says Berberich. “This interdisciplinary approach will also be reflected in the selection of doctoral candidates for my group.” The Emmy Noether Group is currently being established: Three doctoral positions are planned, in addition to project-based theses for bachelor’s and master’s students. The first projects will launch later this year, and the group will receive funding for a total of six years.