As part of the QDNL Visitor’s Programme, Hans Heum, a post-quantum cryptography expert from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Applied Cryptology Lab, visited the Netherlands to engage with researchers, educators and students across the Dutch quantum ecosystem. The goal of the visit was to advance knowledge exchange in quantum cryptography and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Throughout his visit, Hans contributed to a wide range of activities across research and education. He expertly facilitated a game sprint at the Creative Quantum Seminar, an event which is focused on using interactive approaches to engage participants with quantum concepts. He also delivered guest lectures on quantum cryptography to students in the Applied Quantum Technology Master’s programme and to Applied Mathematics and Physics teachers at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS).

In addition to his educational contributions, Hans connected directly with several research groups. He gave the guest lecture to the aQa group at Leiden University, visited Kathrin Hövelmanns at the Eindhoven University of Technology to explore collaboration opportunities, and met with Christian Schaffner and other researchers at QuSoft to discuss shared interests in modelling quantum attacks and quantum-secure cryptography.

The visit led to the identification of promising collaboration opportunities, inspired both students and educators, and engaged a broader audience through Hans's work with the quantum games. The visit also resulted in the exchange of educational tools developed in both Norway and the Netherlands, including the TiqTaqToe dice game developed by Hans in exchange for the Bloch sphere game created by LiS and THUAS students.

The QDNL Visitor Programme supports knowledge exchange to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s growing quantum ecosystem.