Looking for a coordinator and consortium for HORIZON-CL4-2026-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18: Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA)

Description of the Research Team or Group:

SDU University is a multidisciplinary academic institution with a strong focus on mathematical modelling, computer science, and applied physical sciences, combining fundamental research with technological innovation and education. SDU brings together a diverse team of researchers specialising in applied mathematics, data science, photonics, semiconductor physics, quantum technologies, and intelligent sensing systems.

The university hosts research groups that conduct rigorous theoretical, computational, and experimental studies, including numerical modelling of complex physical processes, machine learning for scientific applications, photonic and quantum system simulation, and development of semiconductor and photoelectrochemical devices. SDU researchers publish in peer-reviewed journals, participate in international conferences, and contribute to national and international research initiatives.

A distinctive feature of SDU is the strong integration between mathematics, IT, and physics, enabling interdisciplinary approaches to emerging technologies. The team has experience in:

·      development of mathematical models and algorithms for photonics and quantum systems;

·      data analytics and AI-based optimisation;

·      experimental validation of semiconductor heterostructures;

·      electrochemical and photoelectrochemical sensor design;

·      software development and HPC-supported research.

SDU maintains active cooperation with universities and research centres in Europe and Asia and is engaged in national research programmes in energy, digitalisation, and advanced materials. The university is going to provide modern laboratory infrastructure for materials synthesis and characterisation, optical and electrochemical measurements, and computational facilities for modelling and simulation.

The research staff work collaboratively across departments of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, integrating academic excellence with practical implementation. The team is experienced in supervising graduate research, organising training programmes, and engaging with industrial and societal stakeholders. SDU’s research group offers a combination of computational strength, experimental capacity, and educational outreach, making it a reliable partner for Horizon Europe projects in digital, quantum, and energy domains.

Expertise of the Team Leader:

Dr. Dina Bakranova is a Senior Research Fellow and Associate Professor at SDU University, Kazakhstan, and recipient of the national award “Best University Teacher – 2024.” She holds extensive research experience in semiconductor physics, sensor technologies, photoelectrochemistry, and heterostructure-based functional devices.

Her research focuses on:

·     development of intelligent photoelectrochemical biosensors based on hybrid heterostructures;

·     semiconductor materials for hydrogen generation and catalysis;

·     integration of quantum-enhanced sensing concepts with classical detection platforms;

·     characterisation of SiC-based heterostructures and thin films.

Dr. Bakranova has led national research projects and interdisciplinary teams involving physicists, mathematicians, and IT specialists. She applies a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental methods, materials engineering, data analysis, and modelling. Her work includes optical and electrochemical measurement techniques, prototype development, and validation of sensor systems.

She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and is actively involved in training undergraduate and graduate students in English-language programmes. Dr. Bakranova has experience in project coordination, preparation of grant proposals, and collaboration with international partners.

Current and planned research directions under her leadership include:

·         multichannel photoelectrochemical sensing platforms;

·         hybrid quantum–classical detection architectures;

·         NV-diamond and quantum-defect sensors;

·         semiconductor–photonics interfaces compatible with QCL and photonic devices.

Dr. Bakranova is committed to translating scientific results into practical technologies for environmental monitoring, biosensing, and sustainable energy. She promotes interdisciplinary cooperation between modelling, IT, and experimental physics, contributing to the strategic development of SDU as a regional hub in digital and quantum technologies.