Join OPTIMA & MIQT Quantum for this special joint seminar event presented by OPTIMA Centre Director, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability) at The University of Melbourne, and a Melbourne Laureate Professor of Applied Mathematics in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Professor Kate Smith-Miles AO FAA.

Title: Searching for quantum advantage in optimisation: myths, maths, and the travelling salesman problem

Speaker: Professor Kate Smith-Miles AO FAA
OPTIMA _University of Melbourne

Summary:

This talk is based on the following recently published paper in Quantum Science and Technology: 

The travelling salesperson problem and the challenges of near-term quantum advantage

Over the last two decades, the Travelling Salesperson Problem (TSP) has been used as a benchmark to explore the potential advantage of quantum computers over classical ones. While the TSP is intuitive and relevant to large-scale transport and logistics, we argue it is not well-suited to current QUBO-based quantum optimisation methods such as quantum annealing (QA) and QAOA. 

This talk reviews two decades of research concluding that current quantum methods are unlikely to outperform classical state-of-the-art approaches for TSP and similar constrained optimisation problems. We present mathematical arguments explaining the limitations of QUBO-based methods, drawing parallels with early neural network research. The talk concludes with promising directions for quantum optimisation using non-QUBO-based hybrid approaches, where quantum search may accelerate components of conventional algorithms. 

Bio:
Kate Smith-Miles has significant leadership experience that cuts across academic disciplines and extensive industry engagement experience. She is a Melbourne Laureate Professor of Applied Mathematics, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability) at The University of Melbourne. Before becoming the OPTIMA Centre Director, she was foundational Director of the Monash Academy for Cross & Interdisciplinary Mathematical Applications (MAXIMA). She recently concluded a 5-year ARC Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship, which advanced a new methodology known as Instance Space Analysis for rigorously stress-testing algorithms to ensure trust. She has completed 7 ARC Linkage Projects, several other industry contract research projects, and has supervised over 30 PhD students and over 30 postdoctoral fellows.  She has collaborated with industry in manufacturing, energy, security, defence, healthcare, and finance. As Chair of the Advisory Board for the Choose Maths program – a $22m partnership between BHP Billiton Foundation and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute – she has provided leadership to increase female participation in mathematics through mentoring, outreach and training.

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This event will be held in a Hybrid format

If you plan to join us in person, please be sure to register in advance.

REGISTER HERE

ATTEND IN PERSON – Manhari Room, Level 7, Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton 3053 

ZOOM – MEETING ID: 873 1557 5255; PASSWORD: 778635

SEMINAR: WED  24 SEPTEMBER 2025 16:00-17:00 (AEST, Melbourne Time)

Stay for light refreshments and a chance to continue the conversation after the talk.