Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Institute for Quantum Computing welcomed Governor General-designate David Johnston to a breakfast reception to thank him for his tremendous support and wish him the best in Ottawa.
Throughout his 11 years as University of Waterloo president, Johnston championed quantum information research as the next great technological revolution — an idea he reiterated during the reception.
“I’m confident that this region will become known as Quantum Valley,” Johnston told the gathering. “Your work is putting this region on the map.”
To demonstrate IQC’s appreciation for Johnston’s support, Director Raymond Laflamme announced that a new student award recognizing leadership and outreach has been created in Johnston’s honour.
Johnston, a strong proponent of scientific outreach and education, said he was “absolutely thrilled” to have inspired the award, which will be given to its first recipient later this fall.
Laflamme also presented Johnston with a gift to take with him to Ottawa: a quantum computer prototype, in the form of a framed crystal of malonic acid, which is used in nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computing. Johnston said he would proudly hang the memento in his new Ottawa office as a conversation piece about the quantum leap happening in Waterloo.
Gifts of a different kind came from three-year-old Natalie Mosca, daughter of IQC Deputy Director Michele Mosca, who presented Johnston with a variety of children’s books.
Johnston, who is known within his family as “Grandpa Book,” gave Natalie a warm hug and promised to share the books with his grandchildren.
IQC wishes the Governor General-designate the very best in the next stage of an already remarkable career.