IQC appoints Dr. John Watrous in new director role set to expand the institute's educational programs
Former IQC faculty member and interim executive director returns in new role providing strategic educational leadership
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) welcomes back Dr. John Watrous to the community in a new role set to expand the institute’s academic strength and educational reach.
As Director of Education and Training, Watrous will provide strategic leadership to IQC’s interdisciplinary quantum information programs in collaboration with the University of Waterloo’s Faculties of Science, Mathematics and Engineering, including a new, one-year, course work-based master's program that is currently in development. He will also lead the creation of new educational content.
“IQC’s flagship training programs in quantum information are a great, collaborative model which we can make even better by refining its current structure. And I’d like to work with IQC members to explore ways to help them bring their vision for digital education content to life.”
-Dr. John Watrous, Director of Education and Training
Watrous was IQC Faculty and Professor in University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics from 2006 to 2021 and made significant contributions to quantum information and quantum computation, particularly for his foundational work on quantum interactive proof systems research. After serving as IQC’s Interim Executive Director in 2021, he spent three years at IBM as Technical Director for Quantum Education, where he helped develop new ways to create accessible educational material about quantum information science.
“IQC is honoured to welcome back John Watrous in this new role that will provide educational leadership for our vibrant community. Our training program is a signature strength of IQC with international visibility. Having a seasoned educator and an exceptional researcher like John at the helm of education and training will bolster IQC’s academic programs and expand our capacity to set up future leaders of our field for successful careers.”
-Norbert Lütkenhaus, IQC Executive Director and Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Watrous has seen major shifts in quantum information research since starting his academic career in the 1990s. Since then, it has developed into a highly collaborative and productive research field with dedicated institutions and experts, like here at IQC.
“For years there had been an enormous gulf between quantum computers in theory and practice,” Watrous said. “We don’t yet have the quantum computers of our dreams, but progress has been impressive and the gap is closing.”
Beyond sustaining IQC's robust pipeline of academics, he said it’s important to provide different pathways for quantum education—like the new course-based master’s and accessible digital content to enable and empower a new generation of experts in the field.
“There are many people out there who wish to learn, and ultimately to participate, and we can give then opportunities to do this.”
- Dr. John Watrous