Scotland’s last Auschwitz survivor, Judith Rosenberg, has left Strathclyde University half a million pounds in her will for quantum research.

Before her recent passing in January at the age of 98, Mrs Rosenberg said she would like her gift to be used for science and tech research at the university.

Her £500,000 donation will now be put towards creating the Harold and Judith Rosenberg Chair in Quantum Technology and the Harold and Judith Rosenberg Quantum Technology Laboratories.

Commenting on the funding, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “Judith Rosenberg was a great friend and supporter of the University of Strathclyde, and I was deeply saddened by her passing.

“I always found my meetings with Judith both inspiring and enjoyable, her unstinting interest in science and engineering was a consistent topic for our conversations.

“We are delighted to honour both Judith and her late husband Harold through the creation of this new Professorial position and the naming of our new laboratories.

“I thank them sincerely for their contribution which will help us to accelerate our progress as a leading international technological university.”

The Harold and Judith Rosenberg Chair in Quantum Technology will be funded for an initial period of five years. However, given the anticipated calibre of the Chair appointment, the post is expected to become self-sustaining in the longer term.

Strathclyde Uni has already established itself as a major quantum research and innovation centre, covering activities from fundamental and applied research through to technology development and industrialisation.

Previous research includes the creation of a secure global communications network using quantum encryption technology to protect messages. Quantum Technologies is one of six key research clusters within the Glasgow City Innovation District.

Recommended

• Edinburgh revealed as UK’s broadband outage capital
• Space junk removal getting a quantum and AI boost through new project
• Digital manufacturing getting £53m to boost technology adoption

Professor Paul McKenna, Head of the Department of Physics, said: “Judith Rosenberg’s bequest is extremely generous and will help us to advance quantum technology research and understanding at Strathclyde.

“The creation of this named professorial Chair in recognition of the interests of Harold and Judith Rosenberg will further accelerate growth in the field, add capacity and support our vision of firmly establishing Strathclyde as an international leader in research, training and industrial-commercial development activities in Quantum Technology.

“The new Chair in Quantum Technology will have an impact on our Department and University for many years to come, which will be a fitting and lasting legacy to a truly remarkable woman and her beloved husband.”

Mrs Rosenberg was born in Gyor, Hungary. In April 1944 she was deported along with her family and other Hungarian Jews and taken to Auschwitz concentration camp, arriving in May.

She was liberated in April 1945, later became an interpreter for the British Army. It was in this capacity she met her future husband, Lieutenant Harold Rosenberg, a Scottish artillery officer from Glasgow, later settling in the Scottish city.