A once-inquisitive schoolboy from Corowa, John Bartholomew has transformed his childhood curiosity into a groundbreaking career in quantum science. Now a leading researcher at the University of Sydney, Dr. Bartholomew is at the forefront of developing a quantum internet, a technology poised to redefine computing as we know it.
Growing up in Albury and raised in Corowa by his ministerial parents, Arnold and Joy Bartholomew, John was driven by an unrelenting need to understand the mechanics behind everyday objects. His childhood was filled with experimentation, often at the expense of his father’s turntable and typewriter. “I was someone who was very frustrated when I didn’t understand how things worked,” he recalled. This early passion for discovery set the stage for a rich career in quantum science, which he has been pursuing for over a decade.
Dr. Bartholomew returned to Sydney six years ago after working in prestigious research roles in France and the United States. He is now leading a group of PhD students focused on technologies that will enable a functional quantum internet. According to the CSIRO, this emerging sector could create an industry valued at approximately $2.2 billion and generate around 8,700 jobs in Australia within the next five years.
“The excitement surrounding quantum computing is immense,” Dr. Bartholomew said. “We’re looking at an industry that could be worth upwards of $4 billion by 2040.” He emphasized that the applications of quantum technology extend far beyond current capabilities, allowing for problem-solving methods that could revolutionize fields ranging from medicine to traffic management.
Reflecting on his formative years in Corowa, Dr. Bartholomew acknowledged the supportive community and the diverse interactions that shaped his outlook. “I felt very supported by the hard-working teachers,” he noted, adding that the local sporting culture, which included indoor cricket, tennis, and hockey, facilitated his smooth transition to Canberra when his family moved.
Quantum technology plays a crucial role in everyday technologies such as GPS, X-rays, and MRIs. However, the race is now on to develop computers that can tackle complex problems using quantum mechanics. Dr. Bartholomew explained that a quantum internet would not merely replace existing technologies but would operate alongside them, facilitating specialized tasks that current systems cannot manage.
“It’s fundamentally different,” he stated. “We’re zooming in on nature at the atomic and subatomic levels. This allows us to access computational methods that are unattainable with today’s technology, including the most advanced supercomputers.”
Encouraging young people from the Riverina region to explore scientific fields, Dr. Bartholomew recently participated in an event at Xavier Catholic College in North Albury, hosted by the Sydney Quantum Academy. “If you have an interest in detailed science, whether in quantum or other fields, there are pathways for you to contribute,” he said. He emphasized that geographical location should not deter aspiring scientists from pursuing their interests.
Dr. Bartholomew’s faith also plays a significant role in his professional life. He adheres to the values instilled in him by the Presbyterian Church, viewing service to others as essential. “It broadens your perspective from being internally focused to solving problems that will benefit others,” he explained.
As he reflects on his journey, Dr. Bartholomew acknowledges the serendipity of his path. “I kept pushing all the buttons until I understood how they corresponded with what was happening around me,” he said. This relentless pursuit of knowledge continues to drive his research, enabling him and his team to explore uncharted territories in quantum science.
The excitement for the future is palpable as Dr. Bartholomew and his colleagues work tirelessly to unlock the potential of quantum technology, paving the way for innovations that could profoundly impact society.
