On January 21, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced funding for quantum science projects, including six initiatives at uOttawa. These awards reinforce the University’s commitment to exploring quantum science and driving innovation in Canada.
“For uOttawa, being at the forefront of quantum research is more than an academic pursuit. It represents an investment in the future,” says Julie St-Pierre, interim vice-president, research and innovation, at the University of Ottawa. “By fostering a robust ecosystem of researchers, students and industry collaborations, the University is ensuring that Canada remains a leader in the global quantum race.”
Meet the recipients
Professor Pierre Berini is spearheading research into “Nanostructured Quantum Light Sources.” This initiative focuses on enhancing quantum applications by integrating plasmonic nano-antennas — tiny structures that manipulate light at the nanoscale — with quantum emitters. By engineering these interactions, Berini aims to produce reliable, efficient quantum light sources, essential for transmitting and processing quantum information. He seeks to develop integrated platforms that could revolutionize quantum communication, computing and sensing, enabling faster, more secure data transmission.
Professor Anne Broadbent’s work delves into quantum cryptography, particularly exploring the no-cloning principle, which states that it’s impossible to create an exact copy of an unknown quantum state. This principle underpins the security of quantum communication systems. In collaboration with Sorbonne Université, Broadbent aims to develop secure, unclonable proof systems and provide robust theoretical frameworks to analyze their security, enhancing the reliability of quantum networks.
Professor Hang Chi is studying magnetic topological chalcogenides, materials with unique electronic properties that result from their magnetic and geometric structure, which remains robust under external disturbance. This research aims to uncover phenomena like the quantum anomalous Hall effect, which allows for electrical conduction without energy loss. Materials with this property could lead to advances in quantum memory and logic devices, providing more energy-efficient, high-performance hardware for quantum technologies.
Professor Jeffrey Lundeen’s project focuses on quantum sensing and metrology, which involve making extremely precise measurements using unique quantum effects. For example, superposition allows particles to exist in multiple states at once, and entanglement links particles so that the state of one can affect the other, even from a distance. His research explores how certain quantum properties, such as negative quasi-probability values (which represent unlikely but possible outcomes) and contextuality (where measurements depend on the context of other measurements), can improve measurement accuracy even in the presence of noise or loss. This work could lead to more advanced quantum sensors, opening possibilities in fields like health care and navigation.
Professor Paul Mayer’s research explores the superconducting properties of graphite intercalated with metals, a process where metals are inserted into graphite layers. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance under certain conditions, making them ideal for quantum computing. This project aims to link experimental findings with computational models, providing new insights into how these materials can be optimized for quantum applications.
Finally, Professor Muralee Murugesu is leading a transformative project titled “Accessing Rare Oxidation States in Lanthanide Chemistry for Quantum Applications.” Lanthanides are a group of rare earth elements known for their unique magnetic and optical properties. Murugesu aims to develop innovative quantum materials that can serve as qubits — the fundamental units of quantum computers. By stabilizing rare oxidation states, his team hopes to address challenges in qubit scalability and stability, paving the way for practical, powerful quantum computing systems.
Congratulations to all our brilliant researchers and their teams for this outstanding recognition. Your work is paving the way for a future where quantum science changes our world for the better. The University is proud to support your contributions to this vital field.