Quantum physics leads Canada Research Chair announcements at Waterloo

Roger Melko and Kevin Resch from the Department of Physics and Astronomy have been named Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs by the Government of Canada for their work in quantum physics.

“Quantum research is a strategic priority for the University of Waterloo and the research happening here has the potential for global impact,” says Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of Waterloo.

Roger Melko holds the Canada Research Chair in Computational Quantum Many-Body Physics. An affiliate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and associate faculty member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Melko’s research uses state-of-the-art tools and computer simulations to model novel quantum systems that will be the foundation for future materials, devices and information systems.

Kevin Resch holds the Canada Research Chair in Optical Quantum Technologies. A member of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing, Resch’s work focuses on generating new quantum states of light with applications ranging from quantum computing to future medical imaging instruments.

“Kevin and Roger’s discoveries have the potential to turn today’s impossibilities into tomorrow’s reality,” says Terry McMahon, Dean of Science. “Their appointments are a great source of pride for this Faculty and reiterate our leadership in physics and quantum information research.”

The Canada Research Chairs program is at the centre of a national strategy to make Canada a global leader in research and development. Chairholders are recognized for research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.

“Through programs such as the Canada Research Chairs, we are supporting cutting-edge research at Canadian universities and fostering innovation by helping researchers bring their ideas to the marketplace, to benefit Canadians and improve our quality of life,” says Minister of State Rickford.