University Of Maryland Names Norbert Linke As New Director Of National Quantum Laboratory

Norbert Linke, Ph.D., a renowned expert in quantum physics, computing, and networking, has been appointed as the new director of the National Quantum Laboratory at the University of Maryland (UMD), effective September 1, 2025.

Returning to UMD after serving as a faculty member from 2019 to 2022, Linke will hold the IonQ Professorship, supported by a $1 million gift from IonQ and matched by Maryland’s commerce department. The National Quantum Laboratory, established in 2021 as the nation’s first user facility providing access to commercial-grade quantum computers, aims to advance quantum research and education.

Linke, who co-invented patents pivotal to IonQ’s launch, envisions expanding quantum computing accessibility, aligning with the lab’s motto “Quantum for All.” This appointment coincides with Maryland’s rapid growth in quantum computing, highlighted by Governor Wes Moore’s $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative, underscoring UMD’s pivotal role in this field.

Norbert Linke Appointed Director

Norbert Linke, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) director at the University of Maryland (UMD), effective September 1, 2025. With a decade of experience in quantum computing and research on trapped atomic ions, Linke brings significant expertise to the role. He previously served as a faculty member at UMD from 2019 to 2022 and is currently a professor of physics at Duke University.

Linke’s appointment coincides with his assumption of the IonQ Professorship, an endowed position established through a $1 million gift from IonQ, matched by Maryland’s MEIF program. This role underscores his contributions to quantum technology, including co-inventing patents that facilitated the launch of IonQ, which originated from UMD research.

QLab, as the nation’s first user facility providing access to commercial-grade quantum computers, plays a pivotal role in advancing quantum computing through partnerships with UMD and IonQ. The lab supports research via seed grants, collaborations with startups, and its 2023-launched collaboration space.

Linke’s vision for QLab is rooted in the principle of “Quantum for All,” aiming to broaden access to quantum resources. His leadership comes amid Maryland’s ambitious $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering innovation in quantum technologies.

This appointment signifies a strategic move to enhance UMD’s and the nation’s capabilities in quantum computing, aligning with broader efforts to position the United States as a leader in this field.

IonQ Professorship Established

The IonQ Professorship at the University of Maryland (UMD) was established through a $1 million gift from IonQ, matched by Maryland’s MEIF program. This endowed position supports research and strategic advancements in quantum computing, aligning with UMD’s leadership in this field. Norbert Linke, Ph.D., who co-invented patents that facilitated the launch of IonQ, will assume this role as part of his appointment as director of the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab). The professorship reflects UMD’s commitment to fostering innovation and expertise in quantum technologies, complementing QLab’s mission to advance access to commercial-grade quantum computing resources.

QLab Overview

The National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) at the University of Maryland (UMD) is a pioneering facility dedicated to advancing quantum computing research. As the nation’s first user facility providing access to commercial-grade quantum computers, QLab serves as a critical resource for researchers and industry partners alike. The laboratory supports cutting-edge work through seed grants, collaborations with quantum startups, and its state-of-the-art collaboration space, which was launched in 2023.

QLab’s mission is centered on fostering innovation and accessibility in quantum technologies. Under the leadership of Norbert Linke, Ph.D., who has been appointed as director effective September 1, 2025, the laboratory will continue to expand its role in the quantum ecosystem. Linke’s vision for QLab aligns with UMD’s broader commitment to advancing quantum research and education.

The appointment of Linke coincides with his assumption of the IonQ Professorship, an endowed position established through a $1 million gift from IonQ, matched by Maryland’s MEIF program. This role reflects UMD’s dedication to building expertise in quantum computing and supporting researchers like Linke, who have made significant contributions to the field.

QLab’s work is further supported by Maryland’s ambitious Capital of Quantum Initiative, a $1 billion investment aimed at establishing the state as a global leader in quantum technologies. This initiative underscores the importance of QLab’s role in driving innovation and collaboration across academia and industry.

Quantum Computing Growth in Maryland

With a focus on trapped atomic ions and quantum computing research, Linke brings extensive expertise to QLab. He previously served as a faculty member at UMD from 2019 to 2022 and is currently a professor of physics at Duke University.

Linke’s appointment coincides with his assumption of the IonQ Professorship, an endowed position funded by a $1 million gift from IonQ, matched by Maryland’s MEIF program. This role highlights his contributions to quantum technology, including co-inventing patents that supported IonQ’s establishment. QLab, the nation’s first user facility offering access to commercial-grade quantum computers, plays a key role in advancing quantum computing through partnerships with UMD and IonQ.

QLab supports research via seed grants, collaborations with startups, and its 2023-launched collaboration space. Linke’s vision for QLab centers on “Quantum for All,” aiming to expand access to quantum resources. His leadership aligns with Maryland’s $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering innovation in quantum technologies.

This appointment reflects UMD’s strategic focus on enhancing its capabilities in quantum computing and aligning with national efforts to strengthen U.S. leadership in this field. The IonQ Professorship further solidifies UMD’s dedication to advancing quantum research and education, complementing QLab’s mission to provide access to commercial-grade quantum computing resources.