The University of Michigan has launched the Quantum Research Institute with a $55 million investment to advance quantum technology. The institute aims to strengthen research collaborations among faculty, government, and industry partners and will recruit up to eight new faculty members. Co-directed by Steven Cundiff and Mack Kira, the institute will focus on quantum materials and quantum light research and provide resources for faculty to compete for large-scale external grants. The Quantum Research Institute will also expand academic curriculums to prepare students for the future quantum workforce.
The University of Michigan Launches Quantum Research Institute
The University of Michigan has launched the Quantum Research Institute (QRI) with a $55 million investment to drive developments in quantum technology. The institute aims to recruit up to eight new faculty members and combine existing quantum expertise from various fields, including physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and materials science. The QRI will strengthen research collaborations among university faculty, government, and industry partners and appoint 20 U-M faculty fellows to identify and implement a strategic plan to bolster quantum research across disciplines.
Quantum Technology’s Potential Impact on Society
Quantum technology has the potential to address global challenges such as cybersecurity and energy, and it could supercharge artificial intelligence. The quantum revolution could introduce computers that operate a million times faster, quantum internet to distribute information more securely, and quantum engineering approaches that yield sustainability innovations such as carbon capture and energy harvesting. The University of Michigan’s new institute aims to accelerate and translate quantum knowledge and discoveries for the benefit of society.
QRI’s Research Incubator and Funding
The QRI will operate a research incubator designed to provide faculty with services and resources, including seed funding, so they can compete for large-scale external grants that advance bold research ideas. Since the 2018 passage of the National Quantum Initiative Act, the federal government has prioritized quantum research funding to help enhance national security, drive economic growth, and reinforce the United States’ position as a global leader in quantum engineering, science, and technology.
Expanding Academic Curriculum and Workforce Development
Beyond research, the institute will identify opportunities to expand the academic curriculum to incorporate new courses that help prepare students for the future quantum workforce. Through QRI fellowships, the University of Michigan also aims to recruit talented and diverse graduate students and postdoctoral research fellows to the Ann Arbor campus so they can collaborate with faculty on multidisciplinary research projects.
QRI’s Focus on Quantum Photonics and Materials
Building on the University of Michigan’s expertise in quantum photonics and materials, the QRI will help accelerate fundamental discoveries, develop technological applications, and educate the talented workforce that will enable quantum technology to reach its potential. The institute’s research will address society’s most pressing challenges in sensing, information transmission and security, computing, and artificial intelligence.
“Quantum science and technology will remain a key national research priority for many years to come, and through this new institute, the University of Michigan has a tremendous opportunity to leverage its breadth of expertise to accelerate and translate quantum knowledge and discoveries for the benefit of society,”
Rebecca Cunningham, vice president for research.
“Advances in quantum science, engineering and technology could yield new ways of addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges in sensing, information transmission and security, computing and AI. Building on U-M’s expertise in quantum photonics and materials, this institute will help accelerate the fundamental discoveries, develop the technological applications, and educate the talented workforce that will enable quantum technology to reach its potential,” said Alec D. Gallimore, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering.
Executive Summary
The University of Michigan has launched the Quantum Research Institute with a $55 million investment to advance quantum technology developments, including faster computers and more secure information distribution. The institute will strengthen research collaborations among faculty, government, and industry partners and aims to address global challenges such as cybersecurity, energy, and artificial intelligence.
- The University of Michigan has launched the Quantum Research Institute (QRI) with a $55 million investment to drive developments in quantum technology.
- Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize computing, internet security, and sustainability innovations such as carbon capture and energy harvesting.
- The QRI will recruit up to eight new faculty members and appoint 20 U-M faculty fellows to strengthen research collaborations among university faculty, government, and industry partners.
- The institute is a joint venture led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the College of Engineering, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, with support from the Office of the Provost.
- The institute’s co-directors are Steven Cundiff, the Harrison M. Randall Collegiate Professor of Physics, and Mack Kira, an electrical engineering and computer science professor.
- The QRI will operate a research incubator to provide faculty with resources, including seed funding, to compete for large-scale external grants.
- The institute will also expand the academic curriculum to incorporate new courses and recruit talented graduate students and postdoctoral research fellows for multidisciplinary research projects.
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