Internationals Women's Day - Quantum spotlight - Victoria Lipinska

How did you enter the quantum world?

I became fascinated with quantum information already during my bachelor’s, after having seen how quantum key distribution works during one of the courses. And I’ve been hooked ever since! I have to admit that I had an amazing teacher at that time, Konrad Banaszek thought me solid quantum information basics at that time. I continued in the quantum realm throughout my whole masters and then my PhD.

Are you seeing more women breaking through the tech industries glass ceiling?

During the last year of my PhD I started working at KPN as a quantum lead where I managed and executed quantum projects.

What advice would you give other women in the same position as you?

I love seeing more and more women in the quantum space, especially in leading positions! We still have a really long way to go, because tech environment is of course heavily dominated by men. But I’m very happy that women are not afraid to take risks.

Who is your role model?

Two women who are in the same position as me, I’d first of all say: excellent job getting here, because it sure wasn’t easy for you, so definitely give yourself credit for that. And second, keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re here for a reason, and that reason is that you worked hard and deserve it. So keep your head up high! Quantum is changing rapidly;

What are your big picture predictions for next 5 years?

I expect that within the next 5 years we will experience a disruption brought by quantum technologies. I hope that women will be a big part of that and that together we will be able to create a diverse and inclusive environment.