Joined forces in new quantum community
A new quantum community at the Faculty of Science will take quantum research to new heights – and is open to all.
Research in quantum technology can change the world and activity in the field is growing globally. Several departments at the SCIENCE Faculty have world-class quantum research groups at their disposal. But with the faculty's new Quantum Hub now open, the level of research is bound to achieve even greater heights.
Professor Matthias Christandl of the Department of Mathematical Sciences is at the lead. According to Christandl, the primary advantage is that it will be easier for researchers in the field to create a quantum network across SCIENCE as a whole, rather than being restricted to their home departments.
"You don't necessarily know each other across departments, because there are so many staff. The quantum hub will allow one to meet people who research quantum at other departments and make it possible for us to create a shared environment. It will also be easier for people who think that they may want to work with quants, but don't know where to go – because we now have a place where everyone is welcome to contribute," he says.
An attractive environment
Based on the University of Copenhagen’s internationally leadership in quantum research, the Quantum Hub will strive to become an internationally recognized and leading "hub" in the field. The plan is to create a diverse and open research environment where anyone with a passion for quantum information science is welcome.
Chemistry professor Gemma Solomon is looking forward to the realization of the Hub's potential and is on the Hub's steering committee. She cannot wait to assemble researchers from across SCIENCE:
“Across the university there is a huge range of ongoing quantum activities both in research and eduction, making this a very stimulating environment, but the geographic and disciplinary boundaries create barriers between related researchers. Personal connections with other researchers are vitally important, both for me as a PI and also for my students and postdocs. The more we can be connected, the more we can benefit from seminars, knowing the right person to ask a hard question, and motivating conversations. Together we hope the Quantum Hub will deliver a stimulating quantum environment. “
Gemma Solomon from the Department of Chemistry spoke at the opening event at the beginning of September. At her side are Matthias Christandl and Jan Philip Solovej from the Department of Mathematics and Charles Marcus from Niels Bohr Institute. Foto: Ali Roshanzamir
Greater potential
Upon opening, the Quantum Hub consists of five departments: the Department of Chemistry, Department of Computer Science, Niels Bohr Institute, Department of Biology and Department of Mathematical Sciences. In the long term, the plan is to expand beyond SCIENCE so that people from other UCPH faculties are able to get involved.
According to Matthias Christandl, this could pave the way for entirely new and unforeseen opportunities:
"We want to break down a few boundaries. Potential applications of quantum technology may be found in unexpected areas. The more disciplines that gather, the greater the potential. We've seen that quantum hubs or interdisciplinary environments work really well in many places because the field itself is interdisciplinary and thereby relevant to a wide range of subject matter."
Professor Solomon agrees:
“Physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists or chemists can only go so far if the quantum technology remains in those respective departments. We need much broader engagement, moving from natural sciences to medicine, to law and the humanities, to accelerate the discussion and research."
If you want to know more about the UCPH Quantum Hub you are welcome to contact Matthias Christandl at christandl@math.ku.dk