A boost from the federal PromoScience program will help bring top students to IQC's annual Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students.
The PromoSctience funding will subsidize travel costs for participants in the annual Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS), allowing exceptional teenagers from around Canada and the world to attend the weeklong program, regardless of their financial backgrounds.
"The QCSYS program exposes the next generation to quantum information science and technology, and prepares them for a career in cutting-edge science," said Martin Laforest, IQC's Manager of Scientific Outreach and organizer of the summer school.
"The PromoScience grant will allow us to keep offering QCSYS at a minimal cost and reach students of all backgrounds and locations."
The PromoScience funding is provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and aims to support Canadian science programs for young people. The program awards up to $2.75 million to youth science initiatives nationwide each year.
“For Canada to be a global leader in innovation and to stay competitive and productive, our government recognizes that we need to show our young people the role innovation can play in their futures, encouraging more young people to consider careers in science and engineering, making these grants an investment in Canada’s future,” said Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).“These grants support local grassroots efforts to cultivate young people’s interest in science and engineering.”
Two other University of Waterloo programs have also received PromoScience funding this year: the Engineering Science Quest Satellite Programming, and face-to-face/web-based math and computer science programs.
This August 13-17, QCSYS will host approximately 40 students, most in Grades 11 and 12, for an interactive experience in quantum cryptography and other cutting-edge topics in quantum mechanics.
"QCSYS is a unique opportunity for bold and curious young minds to meet, socialize and learn with their peers," said Laforest. "Canada is a world leader in quantum information science, and PromoScience funding will help us maintain this status by attracting, educating and inspiring the next generation of quantum pioneers."