Enhancing scientific literacy through quantum outreach
Two IQC students and outreach volunteers awarded the 2026 David Johnston Outreach Award
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) congratulates Caroline Lima and Ireneo James Membrere, IQC students and outreach volunteers, on receiving the 2026 David Johnston Outreach Award. Their outstanding contributions help promote public awareness of quantum information research and general science to scientific and local communities.
Caroline Lima is a PhD candidate, Physics and Astronomy (Quantum Information). Her research focuses on new aspects of quantum field theory and quantum gravity. The research explores how tools from quantum information theory and quantum foundations can enhance understanding of the interplay between gravity and quantum mechanics.
She says quantum mechanics concepts, while fascinating, can be misused and misunderstood, and outreach can help dispel myths and misconceptions.
“The word quantum is often misused to sell pseudoscience,” Lima says. “Good quantum outreach helps people keep the wonder while learning to separate real science from nonsense.”
She adds that she didn’t meet a scientist in person before starting undergraduate studies. Being an outreach volunteer allows her to give others the kind of encounter she wishes she’d had growing up.
“I wish I had the chance to see that most scientists are not unreachable geniuses like Albert Einstein or Marie Curie, but real people who were once curious students too. It also gives me motivation to continue pursuing research when I find roadblocks; seeing someone’s curiosity light up reminds me why I wanted to become a scientist in the first place.”
- Caroline Lima, PhD candidate, Physics and Astronomy (Quantum Information)
Ireneo James Membrere is a master’s student, Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information). His work straddles theoretical and experiential research by developing quantum information protocols and implementing them using superconducting circuits.
He says being an outreach volunteer is fulfilling because it allows him to inspire future generations to pursue their passion, especially by engaging students one-on-one when teaching virtual lectures.
“Outreach is important because it enhances the scientific literacy of the public and provides future generations with the opportunity to pursue a career in quantum information or STEM in general."
-Ireneo James Membrere, master’s student, Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information)
He says the quantum information field in research and academia is booming and encourages those who are curious to overcome their fears and take risks to pursue what they are interested in and “never give up!”
The award, valued at $2,500 per recipient, was created in honour of David Johnston, University of Waterloo’s president from 1999 to 2010, for his vital contributions to IQC.
“One of IQC's core missions is to bring research to the community and develop well-informed enthusiasm for quantum technologies in students and society more widely. Ireneo and Caroline's efforts have made a significant impact on many young scientists and curious minds, and this recognition is hard-earned and incredibly well-deserved.”
- Dr. John Donohue, IQC Senior Manager, Scientific Outreach.