Redesigning quantum information science education and training: The Chicago Quantum Exchange approach

Diogo O. Soares-Pinto

Justin K. Perron, Charles J. De Leone, Shahed Sharif +4 more

Currently, education and workforce training in quantum information science and technology (QIST) exists primarily at the graduate and postdoctoral levels, with few undergraduate efforts beginning to grow out of these. In order to meet the anticipated quantum workforce needs and to ensure that the workforce is demographically representative and inclusive to all communities, the United States must expand these efforts at the undergraduate level beyond what is occurring at larger PhD granting institutions and incorporate quantum information science into the curriculum at the nation's predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs). On June 3rd and 4th, 2021 the Quantum Undergraduate Education and Scientific Training (QUEST) workshop was held virtually with the goal of bringing together faculty from PUIs to learn the state of undergraduate QIST education, identify challenges associated with implementing QIST curriculum at PUIs, and to develop strategies and solutions to deal with these challenges. This manuscript summarizes the results of workshop discussions with the hope of assisting faculty at PUIs attempting to incorporate quantum information science into their curriculum.

Скиба Владимир Юрьевич, Sergei Petrenko, Evgeny Abakumov

Currently, quantum technologies are the driving force behind technological progress (Industry 4.0/5.0/6.0 or Society 6.0). The development of quantum information technologies gives rise to new quantum threats to information security. The requirements of the federal project “Personnel for the Digital Economy or the Data Economy” for the key information technology – “Quantum Technologies” (Priority 1) – can be fulfilled only by developing an appropriate training system for engineering and scientific personnel in the fields of quantum information technologies, quantum robust artificial intelligence and quantum resilience. The creation of a vertically integrated education system, which includes not only basic higher education, but also the training of scientific personnel and upskilling for already employed professionals, will contribute to the development of innovative technologies in general. The paper presents the results of joint efforts of the Sirius University of Science and Technology together with the Quantum Consortium of Business and Universities to train personnel in the sphere of quantum information technologies for the development of such an education system.

Wai Yie Leong

Prantosh Paul, D. Chatterjee

Edwin Barnes, Michael B. Bennett, Alexandra E. Boltasseva +35 more

In response to numerous programs seeking to advance quantum education and workforce development in the United States, experts from academia, industry, government, and professional societies convened for a National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop in February 2024 to explore the benefits and challenges of establishing a national center for quantum education. Broadly, such a center would foster collaboration and build the infrastructure required to develop a diverse and quantum-ready workforce. The workshop discussions focused on how a center could uniquely address gaps in public, K-12, and undergraduate quantum information science and engineering (QISE) education. Specifically, the community identified activities that, through a center, could lead to an increase in student awareness of quantum careers, boost the number of educators trained in quantum-related subjects, strengthen pathways into quantum careers, enhance the understanding of the US quantum workforce, and elevate public engagement with QISE. Core proposed activities for the center include professional development for educators, coordinated curriculum development and curation, expanded access to educational laboratory equipment, robust evaluation and assessment practices, network building, and enhanced public engagement with quantum science.