Dr. Robert Spekkens

Professor

Biography

Robert Spekkens is a research faculty member at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he has been since 2008. He completed his B.Sc. in physics and philosophy at McGill University, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Toronto. He held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Perimeter Institute and an International Royal Society Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. Spekkens focuses on the conceptual innovations that set quantum theories apart from classical theories, particularly through the lens of information theory. His research aims to unravel the epistemological and ontological elements of quantum theory, as coined by E.T. Jaynes. In recent years, he has concentrated on distinguishing causation from correlation within quantum formalism and developing quantum Bayesian inference concepts. He has held various teaching affiliations and positions, including adjunct roles at Griffith University and the University of Waterloo, and has garnered several awards for his contributions to the field.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Research Faculty
— Present

Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University • Australia

Conducted research in quantum dynamics.

Junior Research Faculty
— Present

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics • Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Focused on quantum theories.

Adjunct Faculty
— Present

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo • Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Teaching and collaborative research.

Royal Society International Research Fellow
— Present

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Undertook research in theoretical physics.

Postdoctoral Researcher
— Present

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics • Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Worked on various theoretical physics projects.

Postdoctoral Researcher
— Present

Department of Physics, University of Toronto • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Focused research in physics.

Awards

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Itamar Pitowsky Memorial Lecture
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Discovery Grant
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FQXI Essay Contest
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Paper Selected Editors' Suggestion
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Article Highlighted Editor's Suggestion
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Best Paper Award
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Birkhoff-von Neumann Prize