The University of Chicago is playing a significant role in the expanding quantum ecosystem in Illinois and beyond. As the UN's 2025 International Year of Quantum commences, it celebrates the fields of quantum science and engineering, which hold the potential to influence various aspects of life.
Over the past decade, advancements in quantum technology, including research conducted at the University of Chicago and its partners, have opened new technological frontiers for fast and secure communications, biomedical sensing, and advanced computing.
Researchers from the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Physical Sciences Division are collaborating with local universities, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. The region has been recognized as an official U.S. Regional and Innovation Technology Hub for quantum technologies.
These partnerships have resulted in several initiatives, such as two Department of Energy quantum research hubs and a large-scale quantum campus planned for Chicago’s South Side.
In terms of communication technology, Prof. Liang Jiang’s lab has suggested a new method for building long-range quantum networks using vacuum-sealed tubes with spaced-out lenses. These guides could potentially handle capacities far exceeding current approaches. Additionally, Jiang's collaboration with Argonne introduced a classical algorithm that advances understanding between quantum and classical computing.
Quantum engineering also offers potential environmental benefits by integrating into classical machine-learning processes to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
In healthcare applications, UChicago PME Asst. Prof. Allison Squires highlighted how quantum sensing could revolutionize disease detection and prevention at the Chicago BioCapital Summit. Furthermore, UChicago researchers received funding from Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago to develop Q-IDs for real-time immune cell monitoring.
“Eventually these Q-IDs will be able to monitor thousands of immune cells,” Maurer said. He also received funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to study protein-based qubits. “This is a completely new class of qubits,” Maurer noted.
Innovations continue with improved architectures for quantum chips, new methods for integrating electronics using diamond bonding techniques, laser-written bits for scaling devices, optical antennae for atomic-level measurements, and sound-based qubits.
Despite these technological strides being evident in everyday devices like QLED televisions or smartphones, explaining them remains challenging. To address this gap in understanding, UChicago PME Dean Nadya Mason and Prof. David Awschalom participated in PBS’s Nova series.
UChicago is also committed to developing future STEM professionals through initiatives like Quantum Quickstart programs for high school students and TeachQuantum workshops for teachers on Chicago's South Side. The STAGE Center engages the public through interactive card games based on quantum mechanics principles.
Programs like these aim to generate community support ahead of constructing a major quantum campus at the former U.S. Steel South Works site.
Learn more:
Quantum at UChicago
Quantum at Argonne National Laboratory
Quantum at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory