Transcript: Study Quantum Science and Technology in Canada

Dr. Barry Sanders: The way I think about quantum science is, it’s kind of like the Constitution for the laws of the universe.

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The Institute for Quantum Science and Technology The University of Calgary

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University of Calgary, Dr. Barry Sanders

Dr. Barry Sanders: A person can come to Canada to study quantum science and technology and learn from people who are amongst the best in the world

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Institute for Quantum Computing, The University of Waterloo

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University of Waterloo, Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus

Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus: Our institute was founded in 2002.

It's one really of the first large scale institutes for quantum information world wide.

It is an interdisciplinary culture.

It's not, “We are working on the same campus, one building is here, one is there.”

No—we are sitting in this one building.

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Institut quantique, University of Sherbrooke

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University of Sherbrooke, Dr. Mathieu Juan

Dr. Mathieu Juan: Canada, for me, was really the perfect mix.

So there is a very, very strong ecosystem around quantum today in Canada. So there are really experts in their field.

Dr. Barry Sanders: Canada is in a very good position.

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University of Montréal, Dr. Gilles Brassard, O.C. O.Q. FRS FRSC

Dr. Barry Sanders: One of the two people who invented quantum cryptography: Gilles Brassard—

Dr. Mathieu Juan: This is research that comes from Canada with the cryptography protocol called BB84.

Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus: Gilles Brassard from The University of Montreal who really invented quantum key distribution. The whole field has an extremely large component of Canadian science.

Dr. Barry Sanders: So often scientists have to jump from one trendy area to the other. And yet within the Canadian system, there's this respect for the academic process. Crazy ideas sometimes can become the revolutions of the future.

Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus: “Are you a physicist, mathematician, computer scientist?” I don't have to declare it over here.

Dr. Barry Sanders: The biggest problem we face at the moment is a shortage of talent. So the opportunities right now in Canada are excellent.

Dr. Mathieu Juan: In fact, we're talking about technicians which help enormously for quantum research and the development of quantum technologies, to people who are going to do very advanced studies for example, people who have a PhD, who are going to for example create a new company for the development of quantum technologies. And we also have between the two, as I mentioned, the bachelor's degree in quantum science and quantum computing.

Dr. Barry Sanders: We're blessed with excellent teachers, facilities, including the staff who run them, adjacent areas that are very strong and a good community spirit in talking to each other and working together.