Yashwanth Balaji, aka Yash, project scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Molecular Foundry, won the Scientific Discovery category at the 2026 National Lab Research SLAM in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 15.

Yash accepts the Scientific Discovery award at National Lab Research SLAM on April 15, 2026. (Credit: Berkeley Lab)

Yash’s work sits at the intersection of advanced materials and quantum computing reliability, tackling one of the less visible but critical challenges in scaling quantum systems. Cosmic radiation, often overlooked, can disrupt quantum operations, and his research focuses on mitigating these effects at the materials level.

In his talk, “Shielding quantum computers from the chaos of cosmic rays,” Yash explored how high-energy particles from space can disrupt quantum systems and what it takes to protect them.

Why it matters? Reducing these errors is key to building reliable quantum computers that can solve complex problems beyond the reach of today’s technology.

“I’m very excited about the National Lab Research SLAM today as it’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between people doing the science and members of Congress making decisions about it,” Yash said, just before the event. “It is a great honor to represent Berkeley Lab and the cutting-edge research happening across our National Labs on a stage where it can truly make an impact.”

Read more about Yash at UCnet

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