Quantum BC hosted its 3rd annual Research Day, this time at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain on Friday, April 26, 2025. The event was sponsored by the Quantum Algorithms Institute and the UBC Quantum Computing Cluster.
Opening remarks by Quantum BC as well as a presentation from Jose Pinilla of the Quantum Algorithms Institute started the day. With a keynote address on “New Developments and the Future of Quantum BC” by Thomas Baker of the University of Victoria, participants were encouraged to discuss future directions for Quantum BC in breakout groups, based on our current activities. The emerging feedback emphasized a continuation of networking, workshops and research seminars, and suggested broader training opportunities.
Three research talks by Roman Krems from UBC, Kero Lau from SFU, and Irina Paci from UVIC rounded out the morning, discussing the quantum advantage of quantum machine learning, whether spin ensembles are just (an) harmonic oscillators, and using quantum chemistry to understand optical materials.
The afternoon included a panel discussion on “New Developments in Canada and Beyond”, debating exciting new developments over the past year as well as current barriers to progress, and imagining what would be pursued with unlimited funding. Panelists included Lukas Chrostowski (UBC), Thomas Baker (UVIC), Thomas Jennewein (SFU), Daniel Higginbottom (SFU), and Allison MacDonald (D Wave), who also addressed audience questions on advice for early career researchers. The panel was moderated by Olivia Di Matteo (UBC) who wrapped up the discussion with some rapid-fire questions to the panelists, including “What’s your favorite programming framework”, and “most promising quantum computing hardware approach”.
The student poster session triggered many engaged conversations during the breaks. The audience voted for Michael Dobinson as the winner, taking the top prize of $150. Michael and co-authors at SFU demonstrated single photon emission from colour centres from electrically-driven silicon photonic devices.
Join us next year for Research Day at UVic on April 24, 2026!
