Quantum information science and technology is an increasing priority for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. As part of this goal, Fermilab is marking a major moment in quantum science this week as it hosts Exploring the Quantum Universe — A Fermilab Quantum Symposium on Dec. 4–5. Highlighting the growth of QIS research across the lab, the event also marks the launch of SQMS 2.0, the next phase of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, one of five national quantum information science research centers funded by the Department of Energy. The event brings together leaders from across the global quantum community to reflect on recent progress and outline next steps for the field.
The symposium comes during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and emphasizes the increasing push by researchers, institutions and government agencies to accelerate advances in QIS. Supported by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, SQMS is entering its second five-year phase with renewed focus on superconducting materials, cryogenics and quantum technologies that can drive the next wave of computing, communication and sensing.
“This event is not only a celebration, it is a moment to take stock of how far we’ve come and to look boldly toward what comes next,” said Anna Grassellino, director of the SQMS Center. “The conversations happening here, the ideas, the collaborations — they will help shape the quantum technologies of the future.”
Fermilab is advancing the frontiers of QIS through cutting-edge research, technology development and partnerships that connect fundamental physics with real-world impact. From pioneering superconducting quantum computing technologies to building quantum networks and sensors, Fermilab leverages its world-class expertise and facilities to accelerate progress across the quantum ecosystem. Tools first developed for particle accelerators now support some of the world’s most coherent and stable quantum devices. By adapting accelerator-grade systems for quantum research, Fermilab and SQMS are helping pave the way for high-performance quantum systems needed for future scientific breakthroughs.
Speakers include experts from the Department of Energy, academia and industry, emphasizing that broad collaboration will advance U.S. leadership in quantum research. Organizers expect more than 600 attendees from over 100 organizations to attend.
“Quantum information science is one of the most promising and important frontiers in modern research,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil, who is delivering the symposium’s public lecture. “Through the cutting-edge research being performed by the SQMS Center and other research areas at Fermilab, we are seeing how deep scientific collaboration can accelerate progress and deliver real impact for society.”
Fermilab quantum research efforts include more than 60 partners — national laboratories, universities and technology companies. They are collaborating to improve high-coherence cavities, scalable cryogenics, materials, devices, ultra-precise sensors, quantum networks, algorithms and controls.
“Our research in quantum information science spans the entire laboratory, drawing on strengths that have long positioned Fermilab to lead in emerging technologies,” said Young-Kee Kim, interim director of Fermilab. “By combining efforts across disciplines and partnering nationally, we are helping accelerate the breakthroughs that will shape the future of quantum science.”
As quantum science grows as a national priority, SQMS sits at the intersection of basic research and technology development. The center aims to advance new materials and devices, build a 100-qudit superconducting quantum processor at Fermilab and test scalable designs for future quantum data centers. Quantum systems could reshape fields from materials science to dark matter searches, and progress in coherence, fabrication and design will influence how quickly those discoveries emerge.
With attendees from across the country and around the world, the symposium reflects the energy behind the next era of quantum science — and Fermilab’s role in helping drive it. For more information, visit the event webpage: Exploring the Quantum Universe.
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. Fermi Forward Discovery Group manages Fermilab for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on social media.
The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center at Fermilab is supported by the DOE Office of Science.
The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center is one of the five U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. Led by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, SQMS is a collaboration of more than 40 partner institutions — national labs, academia and industry — working together to bring transformational advances in the field of quantum information science. The center leverages Fermilab’s expertise in building complex particle accelerators to engineer multiqubit quantum processor platforms based on state-of-the-art qubits and superconducting technologies. For more information, please visit sqmscenter.fnal.gov.
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