quantum sciences, putting groundbreaking theories to work in realms such as semiconductor materials, conductive polymers and quantum computing.
“One of the things we have going for us is that we work together,” said Ram Seshadri, director of UCSB’s Materials Research Lab. Quantum science at UCSB has long benefited from the collaboration between researchers from various science and engineering departments on campus, according to him. “We continue to do this; it’s a tradition that goes a long way.”
The next step, according to the morning’s speakers, is to create the right conditions to accelerate quantum research and industry in the area: Where can processes be streamlined? What infrastructure needs to be built? How can a quantum workforce be developed? The roadmap for this journey is due out later this year, based on input from stakeholders from sessions held later in the afternoon. Some of the early ideas concentrated along the lines of improved and expanded facilities, and cooperation across the sector.
“Strategically, a really long-term focus for this institute at UCSB is space,” said physicist David Weld, who co-directs EQI. “That’s really a major need and a major limitation for the expansion of quantum science.” In addition to research space and shared facilities, space for education and workforce training is crucial, he said, to bolster ongoing efforts with local colleges to train the next generation of researchers and technologists.
Similarly, the ability to attract the best and the brightest in quantum research could only push the field forward and encourage both fundamental insights and real-world innovations. “Collaboration is critical,” said UCSB computer science theorist Prabhanjan Ananth.