Quantum information science (QIS) is a new field of science and technology which draws upon the disciplines of physical science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Its aim is to understand how fundamental physical laws can be harnessed to dramatically improve the acquisition, transmission, and processing of information.

The inspiration for QIS is the discovery that quantum mechanics can be exploited to perform important and otherwise intractable information-processing tasks. Quantum effects have already been used to create fundamentally unbreakable cryptographic codes, to teleport the full quantum state of a photon, and to compute certain functions in fewer steps than any classical computer can.

Even aside from its technological implications, QIS is an intellectually stimulating basic research field. Fundamental questions such as "What is the computational power of Nature?", "Can measurement be reversed?" and "How much information can we learn?" continue to drive the field and inspire new research directions. We expect that QIS will have an extensive impact on how science is taught at the college and secondary level. We also expect that QIS paradigms will enable quantum physics to be understood better by a broad segment of the lay public.

We founded the Institute for Quantum Information (IQI) to catalyze and stimulate QIS research. We sponsor a vigorous visiting scholars program, develop and teach novel QIS-based courses, hold regular interdisciplinary seminars and workshops, mentor Ph.D. thesis research, and support undergraduate research internships.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recognizes the importance of QIS to the scientific, economic, and technological strength of our nation. They are our primary sponsor and share our enthusiasm for exploring this new avenue of human thought. For a comprehensive NSF report on QIS and its role in science and society, please click on the link below.

NSF Report: Quantum Information Science
An emerging field of interdisciplinary research
and education in science and engineering.