Klaus Blaum, director of the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany, closed the conference with a presentation on quantum metrology, which uses quantum technology to define base units in the international system of units and make measurements more precise. This research will not only expand our fundamental understanding of the universe but harnesses the ability of quantum technology to improve infrastructure, supply chain management, health care and energy grid operations. 

This conference welcomed more than 160 participants, representing six national laboratories, 33 institutions of higher education, and eight sponsors. The conference was supported by funding from the Department of Energy, as well as sponsors IonQ, IQM Quantum Computers, Ansys, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, NVIDIA, Quantum Brilliance, Quantum Machines, and SimuTech Group. 

This diverse group demonstrates that while ORNL is a leader in developing quantum technology, it’s only through collaboration that breakthroughs can continue to be made. “I believe that national labs are designed to develop and mature scientific and engineering insights for our nation. We enable industry and technology, [instead of] competing with them,” said Evans. 

Plans are underway for next year, with organizers hoping to expand the number and diversity of participants at the conference, while broadening the discussion to include aspects of quantum science, such as early career scientists and more tutorials. 

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science. — Brynn Downing

This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "Attendees entangle at the inaugural Southeastern Quantum Conference" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news