Rate My Professor John van de Wetering

Van de Wetering's research specializes in quantum compilation, employing diagrammatic languages like the ZX-calculus to enhance quantum circuit optimization, classical simulation, and verification; he is a co-creator of PyZX, an open-source Python tool for ZX-calculus-based quantum compilation. His work also encompasses quantum foundations, using algebraic and compositional methods to derive quantum theory from natural physical principles. Notable awards include the NWO Veni Individual Fellowship (2024, €320,000) for "A diagrammatic toolbox for quantum circuit simulation," NWO Rubicon Fellowship (2020, €180,000), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2020, €212,933), and Unitary Foundation Grant (2025, €4,000). Key publications feature "Optimal compilation of parametrised quantum circuits" (Quantum, 2025, with Yeung, Laakkonen, Kissinger), "Classically simulating intermediate-scale instantaneous quantum polynomial circuits through a random graph approach" (Physical Review A, 2025, with Codsi), "ZX-Flow: A Flexible Criterion for Deterministic Computation with ZX-Diagrams" (QPL 2026, with Kissinger), and "Quantum Circuit Optimization with AlphaTensor" (Nature Machine Intelligence, 2025, co-author). He directs the MSc programme in Quantum Computer Science at the University of Amsterdam, launched in September 2024, supervises students, teaches courses, and has presented keynotes including "Picturing Quantum Software" at SEFM 2024.