Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation

The @NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation brings together computer scientists, engineers & physicists from @UofMaryland, @DukeU, @Princeton, @Yale, @NCState & @NIST to develop robust quantum simulators. Watch the full video: go.umd.edu/3RH3n03

Superposition—the idea that particles such as electrons or photons can exist in multiple states at once until they are measured—is a fundamental but challenging concept to grasp in quantum mechanics. To make that idea more accessible, the @NSF Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (@RQuantumSim) developed a hands-on activity kit for middle and high-school students. Using simple optical components, the kit introduces superposition and measurement through interactive experiments with polarized light. So far, 750 kits have been distributed in three states and Washington, D.C., with another 750 planned over the next year as the program expands.

Congrats to Andrew Childs (@andrewmchilds) for receiving the Excellence in Research Award from the Washington Academy of Sciences (@WashAcadSciDC)! He is being recognized for his work redefining quantum algorithms and building a vibrant quantum ecosystem in the DMV. go.umd.edu/29v4 #WorldQuantumDay

After three years @DukeU, Norbert Linke is returning to @UofMaryland, where he will hold the first @IonQ_Inc Professorship and direct the National Quantum Laboratory. He will continue to collaborate with Duke researchers through @RQuantumSim. Learn more: rqs.umd.edu/news/linke-ret…

Kenneth Brown, a Distinguished Professor @DukeEngineering and the Associate Director of Research @RQuantumSim, is the lead PI of a $4M @NSF award to advance the co-design of an ion trap quantum computer. Learn more: rqs.umd.edu/news/brown-lea…

We had a blast hosting The Schrödinger Sessions Revisited workshop earlier this month thanks to support from the @APSphysics Innovation Fund (and in honor of @QuantumYear2025). Quantum physics doesn't have to be spooky! jqi.umd.edu/news/jqi-hosts… @UMDPhysics @UMDscience @NIST

A @nberpubs study ranks @UofMaryland among the top five U.S. producers of Ph.D.s in key tech fields—including quantum science. The rankings reflect investments from the university and the state to turn College Park into the Capital of Quantum. Learn more: go.umd.edu/217n

Quantum Insider (@QuantumDaily) has named @DukeU and @Yale as two of the top universities worldwide for quantum research. Faculty from both institutions are a part of the Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (@RQuantumSim). Read more: rqs.umd.edu/news/quantum-i…

Eight undergraduates spent 10 weeks on the @UofMaryland campus this summer conducting quantum research with @RQuantumSim. Supported by @NSF, the program provides students with an on-ramp to enter and engage with the broader quantum ecosystem. Read more: rqs.umd.edu/news/reu-progr…

It’s the final day of #QSim2025—an inspiring week of bridging theory & experiment in quantum simulation. Huge thanks to everyone involved! Yesterday, physics grad student @ThomasSteckmann gave a great talk on error mitigation for analog quantum simulators.

More than 550 ninth graders from Prince George’s County (@pgcps) built slingshots & saw liquid nitrogen shatter rubber balls at a STEM design challenge sponsored by @RQuantumSim & hosted by @ClarkSchool's WIE Program. Read more: go.umd.edu/20yd

#QSim2025 is underway! @vedika_khemani of @Stanford opened the conference with an invited talk on many-body quantum physics & quantum info. QSim bridges theory & experiment, uniting researchers across disciplines to tackle challenges in analog & digital quantum simulation.

Over the weekend, Ken Brown (@kenbrownquantum) of @DukeU gave a compelling lecture on analog simulation and error correction—one of several engaging talks covering key challenges in quantum systems. RQS Summer School 2025 was a big success at @IBM’s NYC HQ!

RQS Summer School is underway at @IBM's NYC HQ! Nathalie De Leon of @Princeton helped kicked things off with a deep dive into #quantum sensing. This event brings together grad students & postdocs to explore challenges in quantum simulation and spark new collaborations.

Several students participating this summer in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program showcased their work in #quantum at a poster session hosted by the @UofMaryland Office of Undergraduate Research.

Incoming student Breana Samonte ’29 got a head start on quantum computing this summer at Winston-Salem State’s Quantum Science Boot Camp. Now she’s bringing hands-on experience with waveform generators and qubits to her first year at NC State. Full story: ncst.at/zsvh50WuL8I

Andrew Houck (@nanonoodle) has been named Dean of Princeton’s School of Engineering & Applied Science (@EPrinceton). A Princeton alum and quantum leader, he brings top-tier research, a passion for teaching, and a bold vision for the future. Read more: go.umd.edu/20he

Gretchen Campbell has been named Associate Vice President for Quantum Research & Education at @UofMaryland. She brings research expertise, policy experience, leadership skills and a bold vision to help make Maryland the Capital of Quantum. Read more: go.umd.edu/20hi

Andrew Childs, a professor of computer science, has been named Interim Director @umiacs. A noted expert in quantum information science and quantum algorithms, @andrewmchilds was co-director @JointQuICS for a decade and is currently director @RQuantumSim. umiacs.umd.edu/news-events/ne…

Chris Monroe on trapped ions for quantum computing, at the Conference on Coherence and Quantum Science: “Don’t ask me how you trap them. There’s a lot of black magic.” @UofR @IonQ_Inc @DukeU

Congrats to @Hafezi_Mohammad on his Humboldt Research Award! He’ll collaborate with researchers at the Max Planck Institute (@maxplanckpress) for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg, Germany to explore new frontiers in quantum. Read more: go.umd.edu/201d