URI’s World Quantum Day Explores Humanities and Quantum Physics Intersection
The University of Rhode Island hosted its fifth annual World Quantum Day event on April 10. The public program took place on the Kingston campus and drew elected officials, technology leaders, faculty and students.
Speakers and themes
Keynote speaker Suhail Zubairy represented Texas A&M University’s quantum optics program. Panelists included U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, state Sen. Victoria Gu, Ishann Pakrasi of Amazon Web Services, Christopher Savoie, and Charles Robinson of IBM.
Discussions covered quantum physics and the humanities, post-quantum encryption, the arts and quantum computing, and policy issues such as potential guardrails. Organizers framed the event as part of a global effort launched by scientists from more than 65 countries.
Research facilities and federal support
Attendees toured space inside the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering planned for a Quantum Computing and Technology laboratory. The lab, slated to open in 2028, will house a low-temperature facility, a clean room, and a secure area for controlled unclassified information.
URI’s quantum initiative began in 2021. It received a $1 million federal earmark from the Commerce, Justice and Science account secured by Sen. Reed.
New student mini-grant program
The Department of Physics announced a mini-grant program for undergraduate and graduate researchers. Amazon Web Services and URI’s Institute for AI and Computational Research are sponsoring the awards.
- Undergraduate awards: $1,000 for students and $250 for faculty advisors. Projects should explore the intersection of quantum computing with arts, social sciences, or humanities.
- Graduate awards: $2,000 for students and $1,000 for faculty advisors. These focus on the societal impact of quantum computing.
AWS will enable recipients to use Amazon Braket for related research. Proposals from students outside STEM fields are strongly encouraged.
Deadlines and next steps
The application deadline is Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. Award winners will be notified on Thursday, May 7. Recipients will present findings at URI’s 2027 World Quantum Day event.
For program details and applications, contact Leonard Kahn, chair of the Department of Physics, at [email protected].
Filmogaz.com covered the event and its emphasis on the intersection of humanities and quantum physics in research and education.
