The fifth annual Quantum Science Center (QSC) Summer School, held from April 21 to April 25, 2025, at Purdue University, marked a significant milestone in the training and development of the next generation of quantum scientists. This event attracted the largest cohort of students in its history, reflecting a growing interest and urgency in workforce development for the rapidly expanding quantum technology sector. Hosted by the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute (PQSEI), the summer school brought together an unparalleled convergence of expertise from academia, national laboratories, and industrial pioneers in quantum science, offering a rich educational experience focused on quantum materials, devices, algorithms, and emergent quantum applications.
One of the transformative additions to this year’s program was the introduction of a half-day pre-conference session dedicated to foundational topics in quantum science. Graduate students and doctoral candidates led these introductory presentations, focusing on quantum materials, quantum devices, and algorithms to deliver accessible content for a broader audience. This strategic initiative, inspired by feedback from the QSC Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Association and past attendees, significantly lowered barriers to entry. It allowed participants to engage with complex topics in a less formal environment, fostering interactive discussions and early engagement with the core principles underpinning quantum research.
Olivia Liebman, a doctoral candidate at UCLA and one of the organizers of the introductory session, highlighted the necessity of this “softer” entry point: “Providing a foundation early in the week allowed attendees, especially those new to quantum science, to feel confident as they navigated the more technical lectures that followed. This approach enhances comprehension and fosters active participation.” The underlying goal was to ensure that the summer school accommodated both beginners and experienced researchers, laying a groundwork that could support diverse learning trajectories within the quantum community.
The official launch of the summer school featured remarks from Alexandra Boltasseva, the distinguished professor at Purdue and the QSC Workforce Development Lead. She underscored the event’s role as a vibrant hub for connection and collaboration: “Use this forum not only to absorb knowledge but to establish networks with fellow researchers, industry professionals, and laboratory scientists. The relationships formed here will catalyze future breakthroughs and career pathways.” Such emphasis on community building reflects the deep interdisciplinarity of quantum science, whose progress depends on the seamless integration of theoretical, experimental, and engineering disciplines.
Travis Humble, Director of the Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), echoed this sentiment and reinforced the unique responsibility shouldered by this generation of quantum researchers. He noted, “You are pioneering quantum science at an unprecedented moment when extensive support and resources are available. This is your generation’s opportunity to innovate new quantum paradigms that will shape technology for decades, potentially in ways we cannot yet imagine.” His message resonated with the students, emphasizing that quantum science is still in a nascent phase and that novel contributions from the diverse cohort of attendees could redefine the field’s trajectory.
The core of the summer school involved three and a half intensive days of expert lectures and panel discussions. The program covered a broad spectrum of advanced topics, including entangled quantum networks, simulation techniques for superconducting qubits, quantum computing architectures, and algorithmic innovations. This comprehensive curriculum showcased the depth and breadth of quantum science today, combining both fundamental theoretical insights and practical applications in quantum information processing.
Lecturers hailed from top-tier organizations and institutions such as Classiq, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Harvard University, IBM, Infleqtion, J.P. Morgan Chase, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Microsoft Quantum Lab West Lafayette, the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, Northwestern University, NVIDIA, ORNL, Purdue University, PsiQuantum, and the University of Washington. Their diverse perspectives provided attendees with a panoramic view of the quantum technology landscape, blending academic rigor with industrial expertise and large-scale national laboratory initiatives.
David Stewart, Executive Director of the PQSEI and Chair of the QSC Summer School, emphasized how aligning lecture topics with the QSC’s key research thrusts enriches student engagement and learning outcomes. These thrusts encompass quantum materials discovery and development, quantum algorithms and simulation, and quantum devices and sensors tailored for discovery science. By focusing on these strategic pillars, the summer school not only educates but also cultivates students’ ability to contribute meaningfully to critical challenges within the quantum ecosystem.
Complementing the lecture sessions, the event also featured two poster sessions where graduate students showcased their current research projects. These sessions provided a unique platform for direct dialogue between students and experts, including QSC Director Travis Humble and several Purdue faculty members, who evaluated the submissions. Exceptional work by Hebah Goderya and Artem Kryvobok of Purdue University, along with Zikang Jia from the University of Michigan, was formally recognized during the closing dinner, acknowledging their innovative contributions and encouraging continued excellence in research.
Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusive and accessible educational experiences, many summer school events were live-streamed on Purdue’s Quantum Coffeehouse YouTube channel. This virtual access extends the school’s reach far beyond in-person attendees, connecting quantum learners nationally and internationally at a time when demand for quantum expertise far outpaces the available talent pool. Stewart explained, “To grow the quantum workforce effectively, we must leverage digital platforms to disseminate knowledge widely. Streaming allows us to transcend physical constraints and accelerate the spread of quantum expertise.”
As the quantum technology sector continues its rapid expansion, national laboratories and their collaborations with academic and industrial partners remain pivotal in driving innovation and workforce development. The QSC summer school exemplifies this synergy by preparing a highly skilled pipeline of young scientists equipped to tackle the formidable challenges of quantum information science and technology. This event’s marked growth and increasing impact exemplify a sustained commitment to cultivating a diverse and dynamic quantum community equipped to lead future advancements.
Looking ahead, the QSC anticipates that the seeds planted during these educational efforts will yield profound long-term effects. Humble reflected on the summer school’s progression, stating, “Workforce development is a marathon, not a sprint. However, the steady growth in attendance and engagement over five years validates our approach and the critical need for these programs.” With continued investment and participation from national labs, universities, and industry, the Quantum Science Center is poised to remain a cornerstone in shaping the future quantum workforce.
The QSC itself is a Department of Energy (DOE) National Quantum Information Science Research Center led by ORNL. It spearheads groundbreaking research across national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to surmount key barriers in quantum state robustness, controllability, and scalability — challenges fundamental to quantum computing’s feasibility. Its research initiatives include engineering quantum materials conducive to topological quantum computing, advancing quantum sensors capable of detecting elusive phenomena such as dark matter, and developing cutting-edge quantum algorithms that deepen understanding of complex quantum materials and field theories. These efforts promise to accelerate quantum information processing, open new windows into the unobservable, and enable accurate performance predictions for future quantum technologies.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the DOE’s Office of Science, the largest federal supporter of physical sciences research in the United States. The Office of Science’s mission includes addressing some of the most urgent scientific challenges of our time by investing in transformative research infrastructures and scientific human capital. Events such as the QSC Summer School epitomize this mission by nurturing essential skills and fostering innovative research ecosystems crucial to America’s leadership in emerging quantum technologies.
Subject of Research: Quantum science education and workforce development at the Quantum Science Center Summer School; advances in quantum materials, devices, algorithms, and scalable quantum technologies.
Article Title: Quantum Science Center Summer School at Purdue University Empowers Next Generation of Quantum Innovators
News Publication Date: April 2025
Web References:
- Purdue Quantum Coffeehouse Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/@QuantumCoffeehouse/streams
- Quantum Science Center: https://qscience.org/
- DOE Office of Science: https://energy.gov/science
Image Credits: Credit: Dave Mason/Purdue University
Keywords: Computational science, National laboratories, Computer science, Quantum information
