Impactful outreach fuels the next generation of scientific leaders and encourages innovative exploration and discovery.
IQC brings the world of quantum information science and technology to the curious-minded through unique opportunities designed to share the fascinating research that is changing the way we live, work and play.
The Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) program engages high school students with one of the most exciting topics in contemporary science – quantum cryptography. Led by Senior Manager, Scientific Outreach MARTIN LAFOREST, students explore the physics and mathematics of quantum mechanics and cryptography through lectures and hands-on lab demonstrations. Launched in 2008, there are 361 QCSYS alumni from 29 countries across the globe.
Dinah Shi
Cryptography, quantum theory and their intersection were among the new topics introduced to DINAH SHI at QCSYS.
Turner Silverthorne
“Physics is like playing the guitar – anyone can learn it, you just need to practice.”
The two-week Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP) combines both a theoretical and experimental approach to studying quantum information for international senior post-secondary students. Lectures by IQC faculty members followed by hands-on exploration in experimental facilities provide a well-rounded introduction to quantum information science and technology. USEQIP alumni leave the program equipped with the tools to begin investigating the quantum information field.
USEQIP participants are encouraged to apply to the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program, a fully-funded research experience at IQC offered to as many as 30 students annually. Students spend the summer term working with a faculty member, exposing them to real quantum information research and what life as a graduate student at IQC is like. “Showing young students the beauty and importance of quantum information science and technology may attract new researchers to the field,” said Laforest. “These students will be the ones making groundbreaking discoveries in the future, finding new applications for quantum devices and proposing fresh ideas."
Thomas Alexander
Growing up on Canada’s east coast, THOMAS ALEXANDER was always interested in science.
Morgan Mastrovich
From the top of a tower, the view is vast and wide; at a high-level, the details may be blurry but there is a holistic picture of the landscape below. USEQIP was MORGAN MASTROVICH’s quantum tower – the experience gave her a broad overview of the quantum information science research field.
