IQC outreach programs receive NSERC PromoScience funding

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced its support this morning for the expansion and proposal of scientific outreach programs at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).

Martin Laforest, Senior Manager, Outreach, received a $9,500 NSERC PromoScience grant for his project Quantum Technology for Students and Educators (QTSE). The grant, created to support hands-on learning experiences for young students and their science teachers, will initiate the implementation of three programs at IQC to encourage and develop the future generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers: 

  1. Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) has been extended by two days to include more hands-on activities, enhancing the student experience and providing further exploration of quantum cryptography and quantum entanglement.
  2. Teaching Quantum Technology (TQT), a new workshop for high school science and technology educators to enable educators to convey the power of quantum information technology to their own students as part of the grade 12 physics curriculum or as part of extra-curricular activities.
  3. Quantum Experience for Young Students (QEYS), a new program for groups of senior high school students and their teachers to design and build quantum experiments at IQC.

NSERC’s PromoScience Program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering (including mathematics and technology). Through PromoScience, up to $2.75 million in funding, including new awards and commitments made in previous competitions, will be available to organizations each year.