New Young CAS projects of 2026-2027: Quantum sensing and legal philosophy

The Young CAS Grant is awarded twice a year to two early-career researchers to support curiosity-driven, basic research. Each selected project receives NOK 750,000 to facilitate a series of workshops and a two-month research stay at the Centre.

Gunnar Felix Lange (Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physics, UiO): ENtanglement-enhanced QUantum sensIng fRom topologY (ENQUIRY)

Lange's project tackles one of quantum sensing's most fundamental questions: how to harness quantum entanglement for the most precise measurements possible. 

Quantum sensors challenge the basic paradigms of classical estimation theory, linking measurement precision to the number of measurements, opening the pathway to sensors with higher accuracy.

The project focuses on critical quantum sensing at quantum phase transitions characterized by topological properties, investigating how topology and entanglement can be strategically employed in material candidates for topological quantum sensors. Beyond the technical objectives of deepening our understanding of critical quantum sensing and developing new sensing protocols, the project will explore quantum technology's broader impact on research and society.

Lange shares that he is delighted and honored to have been awarded this project, which he says “will enable him to develop and strengthen my professional network, helping me to significantly advance my research objectives in this field”.

Johan Vorland Wibye (Associate Professor, Department of Law and Governance, BI): Authentic Reasoning - Rethinking Legal Doctrine in the Era of Artificial Agents

Wibye's interdisciplinary project examines how AI integration into legal practice challenges core assumptions about legal doctrine and cognition. Working with a team of five core fellows and three affiliated researchers from diverse backgrounds, the project addresses whether contemporary AI tools possess the prerequisite understanding and capacity for normative cognition required in legal reasoning. Johan’s research sits at the intersection of legal philosophy, doctrinal method, cognition, and ethics. The project aims to build theoretical and doctrinal foundations for assessing artificial reasoning's ability to replicate legal methodology, anticipating methodological debates and ensuring informed practical and legislative decisions.

“We are all incredibly glad that CAS has decided to support this work. As a legal philosopher it can sometimes be challenging to explain why normative and analytical questions matter in everyday settings, and why there is a need for legal philosophy alongside empirical research. Given what is currently happening with law and AI, this is one of those occasions where I think legal philosophy not only plays a supportive role but deserves to be at the front and centre. Things have been moving very fast. Hopefully, being able to devote a concerted effort to artificial legal reasoning over the next two years will provide an opportunity for the theory of law to catch up with the reality of legal practice.”

Are you interested in applying for a Young CAS Grant? Read more about the grant and application process here >