When Tamara Kohler begins her role as assistant professor in the University of Amsterdam’s Institute of Physics in September 2026, she will bring with her a research agenda shaped by a decade of crossing disciplinary boundaries. Her work, rooted in both computer science and physics, seeks not just to deepen understanding within each field but to explore how one can illuminate long-standing problems in the other.
By September next year, Kohler will also join the Dutch Research Center for Quantum Software (QuSoft). She will arrive with two commitments: to advance foundational quantum computing research and to teach in the Quantum Computer Science master’s programme. However, her official start will not be her first time around QuSofters, as she plans a three-week visit in October 2025, a prelude to the collaborations she hopes will anchor her new role.
“I’m drawn to QuSoft’s strength across quantum physics and computer science,” she says. “It’s an interdisciplinary team with strong links across sub-disciplines, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I thrive in.”
An interdisciplinary journey
Kohler—originally from London— started her academic path at the University of Cambridge, studying Natural Sciences and specialising in physics. A PhD at University College London followed, and then postdoctoral work at the Instituto de Ciencias Matemáticas in Madrid and at Stanford University.
According to the researcher, her early career was shaped by a decision she once considered a fork in the road: whether to pursue quantum information theory or high-energy physics. Choosing the former did not close the door on the latter. “What I’ve found most rewarding is that I’ve been able to apply tools and perspectives from quantum information to explore questions in high-energy physics”, she explains. For Kohler, that experience reinforced how valuable and intellectually fulfilling interdisciplinary research can be. “As researchers, we don’t need to confine ourselves to narrow labels”.
Now, her research lies at the intersection of physics and computer science. On the physics side, she is interested in how tools from quantum information theory can help in understanding the AdS/CFT correspondence. Recently, she has been examining what the concept of “pseudoentanglement” tells us about the relationship between geometry and entanglement in the theory.
In complexity theory, she has explored the difficulty of problems related to topological data analysis, using tools from supersymmetric quantum mechanics. This work has led her to ask what other computational problems can be mapped to areas of quantum physics, and whether this can help scientists derive quantum algorithms. One of her papers in complexity theory earned her a plenary talk at the Quantum Information Processing (QIP) 2023 conference, a significant achievement in the field.
Looking forward to QuSoft
At QuSoft, Kohler hopes to develop a project that explores how principles from fundamental physics can guide the design of quantum algorithms with provable speed-ups over classical approaches. This continues her work on complexity theory and its applications in topological data analysis. She also plans to advance studies on how quantum information theory can illuminate problems in high-energy physics, particularly in understanding the structure of spacetime and quantum field theories.
She is particularly eager to collaborate with colleagues working on quantum algorithms, complexity, and information theory — and to connect with researchers bridging physics and computation. She also feels enthusiastic about “projects that combine rigorous theory with conceptual insights from physics can open entirely new perspectives”, even more if these occur in settings where collaboration across domains can unlock new perspectives or techniques.
Her teaching at the University of Amsterdam will focus on the Quantum Computer Science master’s programme. Effective mentoring, for her, is an exercise in adaptability and empathy: “Some students thrive with clearly defined tasks, while others prefer more open-ended exploration, and these preferences can change as people get more experience.” She aims to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, confident in contributing their ideas, and pursue directions that align with their interests.
In this regard, she finds QuSoft “one of the most exciting quantum research institutes in the world”. In her opinion, what makes it special are precisely its “amazing faculty, postdocs and students across all aspects of quantum physics and computer science,” all contributing to a strong research community.
The person in front of the whiteboard
Kohler has visited QuSoft before, giving a seminar on tensor network models of the AdS/CFT correspondence and participating in the Women in Quantum Development (WIQD) mentorship scheme as both mentor and mentee.
But as she prepares to take on a permanent role, she feels there is a good fit between the centre’s collaborative ethos and her working style. “I really enjoy brainstorming in front of a whiteboard, especially in the early stages of a project.” Afterwards, she prefers to work independently through the technical details, while ensuring regular meetings with the team.
Outside of research, she enjoys triathlon, as it takes her outdoors, exploring nature. “It has also been a great way to connect with people, especially when moving to new places”, she says. Kohler also loves baking—which offers her a different kind of creative outlet— and live music, whether a long-time favourite band or a discovery.
While far from quantum computing, these activities might be signalling a pattern she highlights in her work: an openness to variety, and a willingness to engage with different thoughts and experiences. “Some of the most exciting progress happens when we cross traditional boundaries,” she insists.
“That’s the kind of collaborative and impactful research I’m looking forward to contributing to at QuSoft.”
More about Tamara Kohler’s publications: arxiv.org/a/kohler_t_1.html
Photo: Courtesy of Tamara Kohler
