quantum

A trio of Lederman fellows at Fermilab are developing ways to use quantum technology to probe the universe for dark matter and other physics phenomena. While doing so, they are sharing their enthusiasm for their work to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Anna Grassellino, a senior scientist and the director of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center at Fermilab, was honored with the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her pioneering contributions to superconducting quantum technologies. Known for her groundbreaking work on superconducting radiofrequency cavities, Grassellino has helped to revolutionize and lead advancements in particle accelerators and quantum information science.

Recently, the bipartisan supported DOE Quantum Leadership Act was introduced aimed at investing over $2.5 billion in quantum research and development. The bill’s introduction is critical for scaling and commercializing quantum computing.

Born and raised in Sicily, she now directs at Fermilab in Chicago, one of the five national centers that the American government has created for the study of quantum technologies and coordinates 500 scientists from all over the world.

Chicago leaders are backing a new quantum computing campus in South Chicago that will create job pipelines. Fermilab’s Natalie Johnson, head of education and public engagement, is among those working on creating career and educational pipelines for locals.

In 2024, Fermilab made significant scientific progress, including advancing preparations for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and conducting groundbreaking quantum research. The laboratory also continued its strong international collaborations — including involvement with the CMS experiment at CERN — and made strides in developing emerging technologies with wide applications beyond physics.

Some friendly competition between the CMS and ATLAS experiments led up to the first discovery of entanglement at the Large Hadron Collider.

The Chicago Plan Commission approved plans to transform a former steel mill site into a cutting-edge quantum computing park known as the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. PsiQuantum will construct the large facility, aiming to develop a one-million-qubit utility-scale quantum computer. The park will be affiliated with the University of Illinois but will also have partners including Fermilab, Argonne, the Chicago Quantum Exchange and many Chicago universities.

The Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit now features updated software and firmware and new companion hardware called QICK box. This Fermilab-developed system combines everything a scientist might need to conduct mind-bending research in a pizza-box-sized case.

The Chicago Plan Commission approved plans for a quantum computing research park on the vacant U.S. Steel South Works site, advancing a project that could transform Chicago’s South Side into a national technology hub. The park will be managed by a University of Illinois-led organization in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab and other regional institutions.