Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) researchers Christine Muschik, Rajibul Islam and IQC affiliate Roger Melko received the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) for a joint project that aims to build the first quantum simulation with ions in Canada.
Awarded in the NFRF’s exploration stream, their project Quantum simulations of fundamental interactions with artificial intelligence, is recognized as an avenue to “generate opportunities for Canada to build strength in high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research.”
The new project brings together a diverse team of expertise in high-energy physics, quantum technologies, chemistry and computer science. Advancing the understanding of fundamental forces between elementary particles, the project addresses longstanding problems in modern physics such as “How did the universe evolve at its earliest moments?”, “What is the structure of neutron stars?”, and “Why is there more matter than antimatter?”.
The team will develop a new generation of hybrid quantum-classical simulations that leverage the progress in the field of machine learning. The project is on track to build the first quantum simulation with ions in Canada and to set a new milestone for the field of quantum technologies.
The NFRF was established to fund international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and high-risk research. It is administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat, which is housed within the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), on behalf of Canada’s three research granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and SSHRC.