Waterloo professor to lead Quantum Advisory Council under new National Quantum Strategy

Dr. Raymond Laflamme, founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, has been named co-chair of the National Quantum Strategy’s (NQS) Advisory Council. The announcement was made by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Laflamme will work in close collaboration with fellow chair Dr. Stephanie Simmons of Photonic and IQC affiliate.

The NQS will guide the development of future quantum technologies in Canada and ensure that Canada maintains its quantum innovation and leadership through the strategy’s three pillars of research, talent and commercialization.

“I am delighted to have been asked to serve as a co-chair of the NQS Quantum Advisory Council, along with Dr. Simmons,” said Laflamme. “I have seen first-hand the benefit of cultivating a dynamic quantum ecosystem here in Waterloo Region and look forward to being part of the working group’s national approach to fostering a similar sense of community amongst quantum researchers and industries in all corners of our country.”

“We thank the Government of Canada for its leadership in investing in the future of quantum research here in the Waterloo region, and across the country,” said Charmaine Dean, vice-president of research & international at the University of Waterloo. “Path-breaking work in quantum has been underway at Waterloo for many years now and we look forward to helping to grow and solidify a national network of quantum scientists, and industry partners who will come together to tackle some of the greatest challenges we face as a society. I'm incredibly proud that Dr. Laflamme, a leader in this field, will help to shape the direction of this national strategy.”

Through the development of the NQS, and with the leadership of the Quantum Advisory Council, Canada aims to mobilize quantum research into commercial applications, foster large-scale partnerships and train a next-generation workforce to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of quantum science and technology.

“Dr. Laflamme is one of the world’s leading experts on quantum information, a pioneer instrumental in creating a uniquely collaborative quantum ecosystem in the Waterloo Region,” said Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, Executive Director at IQC and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. “His leadership along with Dr. Simmons’ will be pivotal in ensuring Canada can realize the full societal and economic benefits that a robust national quantum strategy will deliver.”

The work IQC has been doing for over 20 years in research, talent development and commercialization aligns with the NQS. To learn more about how IQC’s research harnesses quantum information to develop powerful new technologies and drive future economies, visit the IQC website.