BoFs — Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions

BoF Sessions Program

The BoF Session times below are in Mountain Time (MDT) or UTC-6.

Mon, Oct 12

• 12:15-13:00 — Lukas Chrostowski, University of British Columbia — BoF on the British Columbia NSERC CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) in Quantum Computing
  Abstract — This unique quantum training program will equip graduates with skills in both building quantum computing hardware and software. This program, hosted by the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia (UBC), is co-delivered by faculty at three BC universities (UBC, SFU, and UVic) with collaboration from leading quantum hardware and software companies. Students will acquire highly specialized technical expertise and commercial skills in both quantum computing hardware and software through a combination of hands-on workshops, research projects, industrial internships, and professional development workshops to ensure job readiness among graduates pursuing careers in the emerging quantum computing technologies sector. Further information on the program can be found below.

Tue, Oct 13

• 10:00-10:45 — Elie Track, nVizix; Erik DeBenedictis, Zettaflops; D. Scott Holmes,  Booz Allen Hamilton; and Oleg Mukhanov, seeQC — BoF on Superconductivity, Quantum Information, and the IEEE Council on Superconductivity (CSC)
  Abstract — The IEEE Council on Superconductivity, IEEE-CSC, and its activities and programs cover the science and technology of superconductors and their applications, including materials and their applications for electronics, magnetics, and power systems, where the superconductor properties are central to the application.
  The IEEE-CSC publishes the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity (TAS), with six issues per year. In addition, IEEE-CSC is a founding member of the group of IEEE Societies and Councils that have inaugurated the new journal IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering. Superconductivity is at the heart of one of the most common and promising modalities for Quantum Computing. IEEE Members as well as non-Members are welcome to join the activities of the IEEE-CSC, including conferences, publications, and, importantly, outreach to students and young scholars. Interested scientists/engineers/students can join the IEEE-CSC committee on “Quantum” and initiate or participate in relevant activities to advance the field and to promote communication and mutual support.
  Beyond qubit modalities, superconducting circuits can play a key and critical role in interface circuits to cryogenic qubits (whether superconducting or not) and enable efficient packaging and enhance energy efficiency. This aspect has the potential of even greater impact on the field of Quantum Computing than the implementation of the qubits with superconductors since it applies to all modalities requiring deep cryogenic cooling.

Wed, Oct 14

• 12:15-13:00 — Adam Lyon, Fermilab and Martin Savage, University Washington  — BoF on Quantum Computing for High Energy Physics (HEP)
  Abstract — The High Energy Physics (HEP) community is currently developing a 10-year research vision (the “Snowmass Process”) and Quantum Information Science is included. This Birds of a Feather session will discuss HEP’s interest and involvement in QIS and why it is playing an important role in this planning process. Please attend to learn how HEP is contributing to the QIS community both presently and in the future.

Wed, Oct 14

• 16:45-17:30 — Reena Dayal, Microsoft India — The Quantum Special Interest Group in India and Region 10 — Driving Collaboration in Quantum in Region10, as a regional representative of Quantum Initiative
  Abstract — The Quantum Special Interest Group in India as part of the local IEEE Section has beenDriving awareness, providing a platform for meaningful connections for all Quantum Professionals and/or aspiring students in the Region and Driving and  Enabling Sessions with good quality research, business and educational content. We aim to invite people from Region 10 to participate in the SIG which is being proposed for  Region 10. We also invite people in other geographies to join and support collaboration. We will take you through the activities of the Quantum SIG in India and also the Proposal for driving collaboration across  Region 10 through the Quantum SIG.

Thu, Oct 15

• 12:15-13:00 — Yuri Alexeev, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Martin Suchara, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) — BoF on Quantum Information Science at Argonne National Laboratory
  Abstract — Argonne National Laboratory leverages multi-disciplinary teams, world-class facilities, and powerful scientific tools to confront some of the most profound scientific and technological challenges in quantum information science. Argonne’s scientists pursue a range of projects in materials for quantum information, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. These areas of focus include the development of algorithms and software, new materials and sensors, hybrid quantum computing, and complex simulations of physical and chemical processes, among others. In this Birds of Feather session, Argonne’s postdoctoral fellows and students will give short presentations about active research projects in quantum information science.

• 14:30-15:15 — Terrill Frantz, Harrisburg University — Quantum Cool at Harrisburg University: Developing tomorrow’s Quantum Computing workforce today
  Abstract — This BoF is intended for quantum educators. Harrisburg University (HU) has established itself as a global leader in developing a sophisticated, quantum-ready workforce. HU professors are engaging with industry and other academic players to serve the learning community that is rapidly rising in its call for learning and development programs that are not only geared toward PhD-level research. HU aims to develop the support-level skills needed for a robust workforce in the nascent industry as workforce development. Workforce readiness is increasingly being recognized as a major constraint in the advancement of the quantum computing industry.

Fri, Oct 16

• 12:15-13:00 — Andrew Sornborger, LANL; Candace Culhane, LANL; and Travis Humble, ORNL — Quantum Science Centers
  Abstract — The Quantum Science Center (QSC), funded by the Department of Energy, is a collaboration led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory which is charged with developing quantum technologies that will usher in a new era of innovation.  Partner organizations are California Institute of Technology; ColdQuanta; Fermilab; Harvard University; IBM; Los Alamos National Laboratory; Microsoft; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Princeton University; Purdue University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Maryland; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and University of Washington.  The Quantum Science Center will work to realize the potential of topological quantum materials for manipulating, transferring and storing quantum information. Research goals are organized around three scientific focus areas: Quantum materials discovery and design, Quantum algorithms and simulations, and Quantum devices and sensors for discovery science.  An overview of this new center will be presented, followed by a Q&A session.

Call for BoF Sessions

• Call for Birds of QCE20 Feather Sessions (BoFs)
• BoF submission deadline: Sep 28, 2020 — via QCE20 EasyChair — Note the authors must be registered for QCE20 for the proposal to be considered.
• BoF acceptance notification: Oct 1, 2020

For any inquiries or questions about Birds-of-Feather Sessions, please contact QCE20 General Chair Hausi Muller.