Charting the Future of Quantum Engineering

dean's messages

Recent advancements and breakthroughs indicate that quantum science and engineering will drive one of our society’s next great technological revolutions. From quantum computing to networking and sensing, harnessing the power of quantum phenomena will change how quickly we perform computations, impact the future of cyber security, enhance network security, and improve sensors to detect changes in the world in ways we have yet to imagine. The future of quantum science and technology is being defined by leading researchers around the world, including at the University of Maryland (UMD).

Through the leadership and innovations we have created, we are making the state of Maryland the Capital of Quantum. We envision a future where quantum technology improves health care, financial services, transportation, and infrastructure, and more—and one where the state and its workforce are a catalyst for these changes. Imagine, for example, medicines that are better tailored for each patient through quantum computing. UMD and the Clark School are building the ecosystem to realize those advances.

In January, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, UMD President Darryll J. Pines, and IonQ President and CEO Peter Chapman announced a $1 billion public-private partnership that invests in the people and facilities to grow that ecosystem. In addition: From left, a group including IonQ President and CEO Peter Chapman, Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Gov. Wes Moore and UMD President Darryll J. Pines tour the quantum computing company's headquarters in the university's Discovery District.

Our Discovery District is home to IonQ, the first publicly traded quantum computing company. IonQ started with research done at UMD.
We launched the Quantum Startup Foundry, colocating the people and resources needed to fasttrack quantum technologies reaching the market.
Our Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security created the Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications to improve national security via quantum technology.

Our research continues to set trends. Professor Mohammad Hafezi of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Joint Quantum Institute, for example, is investigating how electronic devices interact with light, and its impact on quantum information processing and sensing. ECE Professor Ron Walsworth and the Quantum Technology Center are pursuing collaborations with government and industry to train an emerging generation of quantum engineers.

Our academic programs continue to set trends, too. We recently launched a minor in quantum science and engineering, among the first undergraduate quantum programs in the nation.

As you may know, this year is the International Year of Quantum, a chance for the global community of engineers to help society better understand the possibility of quantum technologies. During this year, and for many years to follow, Maryland Engineering looks forward to delivering on that possibility.

Sincerely,

Samuel Graham

Dean and Nariman Farvardin Professor

Published April 22, 2025