The Ohio State University has secured a $4 million, two-year award from the National Science Foundation to advance quantum sensing technologies as part of the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory program. Leading a national consortium that includes the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, and University of California, Santa Barbara, Ohio State will focus on the “Distributed-Entanglement Quantum Sensing of Chemical Properties” (DQS-CP) project, developing a platform to analyze materials and molecules with increased precision. “This award reflects how Ohio State is emerging as a national leader in quantum research,” said John M. Horack, vice president for Research at Ohio State. The project aims to build a shared testbed for researchers and students, translating quantum capabilities into practical applications and fostering a skilled workforce in the rapidly growing field.
NSF Award Advances Ohio State’s Quantum Sensing Leadership
A $4 million investment from the National Science Foundation is supporting Ohio State University’s quantum sensing research, funding a two-year project designed to translate theoretical advances into practical applications. This funding demonstrates a substantial commitment to developing a shared testbed for researchers and students, fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation in the field. Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin, professor of Physics and lead principal investigator on the DQS-CP award at Ohio State, explained, “Our goal is to clearly demonstrate when and how quantum sensing can offer real advantages.” The project centers on a sensing platform comprised of the target molecule, a spin-relay layer, and a quantum readout system, aiming to surpass the limitations of conventional measurement techniques through entanglement.
Beyond technical advancements, the initiative prioritizes workforce development; students will gain interdisciplinary experience spanning physics, chemistry, and engineering. “This project represents an opportunity for our graduate students to contribute to science with real-world impact,” said Susan Olesik, divisional dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, highlighting the project’s alignment with Ohio State’s land-grant mission and commitment to preparing a skilled quantum workforce.
This award reflects how Ohio State is emerging as a national leader in quantum research.
The pursuit of practical quantum sensing technologies is gaining momentum as researchers strive to move beyond theoretical possibilities toward demonstrable advantages; currently, quantum sensors exist primarily in settings demonstrating potential but lacking the robustness and scalability for widespread application. Beyond the technical challenges, the initiative emphasizes training a skilled workforce, with graduate students gaining practical experience at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines. This emphasis on education extends to broader outreach; the team will collaborate with QuSTEAM to create and disseminate educational materials, preparing a new generation of quantum scientists and engineers for both academic and industrial roles, while QuantCAD will focus on developing a roadmap for the future of quantum sensing and provide hands-on training opportunities for students.
This project represents the opportunity for our graduate students to contribute to cutting-edge science with real-world impact.
The collaborative spirit driving advances in quantum sensing extends beyond laboratory experimentation; a $4 million NSF Phase II award to Ohio State is actively shaping the future quantum workforce. These students will gain practical experience at the intersection of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering, contributing to research with tangible applications. QuantCAD is also contributing by mapping a pathway for quantum sensing development and providing students with practical training opportunities. This emphasis on workforce development underscores the project’s commitment to translating quantum capabilities into marketable technologies, ensuring a pipeline of talent to support future innovation and economic growth.
