Julien Laurat has been awarded the CNRS 2026 Silver Medal

Professor at Sorbonne University at the Kastler Brossel Laboratory (LKB, CNRS / Collège de France / ENS-PSL / Sorbonne University) and coordinator of the QMemo project under the PEPR Quantum, Julien Laurat, has been awarded the 2026 CNRS Silver Medal.

Julien Laurat builds quantum networks capable of connecting computers, sensors, and quantum communication devices, ranging from laboratory-scale setups to long-distance networks.

A quantum optics specialist, he develops devices capable of controlling photons by making them interact with laser-cooled atoms. This work leads, for example, to quantum memories that enable the synchronization of operations—a core functionality of networks.

In 2022, he co-founded the startup Welinq alongside Tom Darras, CEO, and Eleni Diamanti, CNRS research director at LIP6 and coordinator of the PEPR’s QCommTestbed project. Welinq offers network solutions to build the infrastructure needed for the quantum revolution. The promise? Scalable quantum computing and secure quantum information networks.

Click here to view his profile on the CNRS Physics website

Within the PEPR Quantum

Julien Laurat coordinates the QMemo project under the PEPR Quantique initiative, which is developing quantum memories—components that are crucial for the deployment of quantum networks. These memories are intended to be integrated into future French and European experimental networks.

Learn more about QMemo

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