Dr. Harriet van der Vliet is a passionate advocate of quantum, who has been incredibly active in facilitating collaboration across the ecosystem, from academia to partners to industry.

With a background in experimental physics and almost a decade of industry experience, she has built a global network through her active engagement at conferences, chairing panels, and engaging with key opinion leaders. She is a member of the Institute of Physics (IoP) and has served as Oxford Instruments’ representative for UKQuantum, the IOP, the Institute of Engineering (IET), and QEDC. Van der Vliet also contributes to strategic initiatives shaping the quantum sector, serving on the UKQuantum Steering Committee, the IoP Steering Committee for the organization’s quantum business innovation prize (qBIG), and as Deputy Chair of the IET Quantum Engineering Technical Network. In these roles, she helps guide policy, support industry collaboration, and accelerate commercial adoption of quantum technologies.

Alongside her professional responsibilities, van der Vliet actively supports education and workforce development, mentoring apprentices and promoting STEM engagement. She encourages women and early-career professionals to pursue physics and quantum careers, combining hands-on involvement in demonstrations and trade shows with public-facing outreach. Her efforts have enhanced inclusivity and innovation.