Christian Sarra-Bournet from the Institut Quantique (IQ) of the Université de Sherbrooke explains how the organisation works to enhance fundamental research and accelerate innovation in quantum technologies.
Founded in 2016, the Institut Quantique (IQ) of the Université de Sherbrooke brings together more than 300 scientists specialising in quantum materials, information, and engineering to conduct fundamental research and boost innovation in quantum technologies.
IQ provides a dynamic research environment with an approach focused on the student community, in part by encouraging the emergence of projects initiated by them. We train leaders with the skills and critical thinking essential to the creation of knowledge relevant to a changing society. Thus, we find our graduates ready to contribute to the acceleration of discoveries, whether they hold jobs in academia, in private enterprises, or have founded their own company.
From the architecture of quantum computers to superconductivity and the exploration of new states of matter, our scientists receive international awards and distinctions and see their groundbreaking discoveries implemented by private sector companies. At the forefront of scientific progress in a fast-changing field, our research teams are invited to collaborate with colleagues and institutions from around the world.
In addition to playing a part in developing Canada’s quantum strategy, IQ is multiplying its projects with partners around the world to power innovation in quantum technologies. Through partnerships such as the International Research Lab ‘Quantum Frontiers’ with the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique in France, the Quantum Systems Accelerator in the US, the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology in Australia and UK Research and Innovation in the UK, we have developed research projects that benefit from the expertise and quality of our scientists’ research.
Deeply influenced by the Université de Sherbrooke’s partnership research culture and an important link in the innovation chain, more than 50% of IQ researchers develop research projects in collaboration with industry. This networking adds to the relevance of the work while stimulating the exchange of ideas between the student community and partners.
Quantum physics and its impact on society
Our modern-day lives would be difficult to imagine without the discoveries in quantum physics that have led to the widespread electronic devices we use. Lasers, smartphones, GPS, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) all take advantage of theoretical discoveries, most of which date back to the early 20th century. And yet, this first quantum revolution barely scratched the surface of quantum mechanics’ strangest properties.
The current second quantum revolution is putting quantum’s strangest features to good use, paving the way for innovation in quantum technologies with unprecedented potential. The quantum computer first comes to mind, which would allow us to solve complex, intractable problems that are impossible to solve with the most powerful classical computers in the world. But we need to include quantum sensors with unparalleled sensitivity, incredibly efficient materials, and perfectly secure communications.
Ranking first in sustainable development for a higher education institution according to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) inspires its IQ members to invest in research projects such as Q4Climate and Quantum for a Sustainable Planet with applications in the fields of materials, green chemistry, biology, and tele-detection.
Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone
In February 2022, the Québec government officially announced the creation of the Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke. Innovation Zones have been created to boost innovation commercialisation, exports, local and foreign investment, and business productivity in technological sectors of the future, in which Québec has significant comparative advantages.
More than $435m will be invested in the Sherbrooke Quantum Innovation Zone, of which $131m is being injected by the Québec government. This designation confirms the recognition of the well-established dynamic quantum ecosystem of university-based research excellence, cutting-edge research infrastructure, strategic partnerships with established companies and creation of start-ups in Sherbrooke, with support from multiple sectors, including the University, City, provincial government, and investors.
Responsible research and innovation in quantum technologies, a social dialogue
Considering the disruptive potential of these technologies, our mission goes beyond the boundaries of fundamental and applied research. We believe that it is our responsibility to raise awareness and improve the general public’s literacy on quantum sciences, as well as to open a science-society conversation around the development of quantum technologies.
As such, to maximise the positive impacts (environmental, social, economic, ethical, political) while minimising or correcting the anticipated negative ones, it is important to bring civil society and decision-makers to reflect on the usage guidelines of these quantum technologies during their development.
In collaboration with the UdeS School of Applied Politics, IQ is initiating this dialogue to reflect on these issues. We play an active role in science policy by participating in different committees and expert panels on Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, supply chains and critical minerals, and by organising workshops with the Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC) and the International Network of Chief Scientists and Science Advisors (INGSA).
Please note, this article will also appear in the fifteenth edition of our quarterly publication.
