“Quantum technology is really hitting its stride right now. Robert Thompson, PhD, UCalgary’s associate vice-president (research). The timing of this novel and generous gift to fuel quantum science research is ideal, says Dr. The $25-million initiative will grow the province’s already considerable capacity in this field, and complement current federal and provincial investment in quantum-based company- and product-creation. Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA), a new research partnership initiated by a group of visionary donors, brings together the University of Calgary, University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge to advance interdisciplinary foundational quantum research. While Alberta has long been building momentum in quantum research, our province is now set to become a leader in the pursuit of foundational knowledge of quantum science to further its immense potentials here and around the world. "There are many, many questions at a foundational level still to be answered about quantum and every time we answer one of those questions, it opens up a whole new world for us to explore.Some of the tiniest particles of matter in the universe - from quarks to neutrinos to atoms and molecules - hold the power to fuel major scientific breakthroughs to positively transform the human condition.Īn understanding of these sub-atomic- and atomic-scale building blocks has already helped scientists revolutionize computing power, medical imaging and cybersecurity. "That actually fundamentally violates relativity, another branch of physics, which says information can't travel instantaneously," he said. One such question, said Thompson, is how two subatomic particles vast distances apart can be linked and change one another. "There are ranges of unanswered questions," he said. Thompson said the specific areas of focus for the University of Calgary are still being worked out, in co-ordination with the two other nodes in Edmonton and Lethbridge.
Quantum Horizons Alberta aims to hire at least seven quantum researchers over the next year, while also funding post-doctoral scholars and graduate students in their research. Her team will also research how technologies are built to work on Earth and in space. "We're looking at ways gravity interacts with Earth and other planets, and how Earth interacts with the solar system," she said. The University of Lethbridge has already been working on quantum gravity, quantum sensing and quantum computing, said McMartin. "We've taken a step back and are looking at the foundational science on which some of today's technologies are built," said Andre McDonald, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Alberta.Īudio Perimeter Institute Conversations About Science and Identity Scientists from the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge have received $25 million in private funding to answer several questions about the quantum world, which operates differently than the traditional understanding of physics. The current quantum industry, which includes semiconductors and medical imaging, relies on discoveries from three decades ago, said Thompson. Quantum-powered tech is everywhere, from cellphones to home security systems to vehicles. Quantum physics, discovered in the early 1900s, is the study of the tiniest possible particles in the universe and allows for a deeper understanding of nature. "Because if we don't continue to push that end of our understanding of quantum, then 20 or 30 years from now, we'll run out of ideas." "It's vital right now," said Rob Thompson, vice-president of research for Quantum Horizons Alberta. Three Alberta universities are pooling their resources to investigate the fundamentals of quantum science, with a focus on driving innovation decades from now.
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