Elham Kashefi

Prof Dr Elham Kashefi is Professor of Quantum Computing at the University of Edinburgh, Chief Scientist at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), and Directrice de recherche at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Sorbonne University in Paris, France. She co-founded the fields of secure quantum cloud computing and quantum verification, and her research spans simulation, modelling and verification across multiple hardware platforms. Her work has advanced quantum software and networks, with significant impact in areas such as machine learning, cryptography and secure communications.

As Chief Scientist of the NQCC, Kashefi provides academic leadership for the UK’s national quantum programme. Beyond her scientific contributions, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the global quantum ecosystem through academic leadership, advisory positions and conference stewardship. Her achievements have been recognised with major fellowships, awards and her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2024.