NQCP Education & Outreach Group

At the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP), various research groups are dedicated to advancing quantum computing through interdisciplinary collaboration. Complementing these research efforts, the NQCP Education & Outreach team plays a crucial role, focusing on building a quantum-ready workforce and creating quantum awareness.

The NQCP Education & Outreach team, headed by Associate Professor Kim Splittorff, is made up of members from different NQCP research teams who allocate part of their time to the Education & Outreach efforts, ensuring that all educational activities are research-based.

Their efforts include a range of activities from setting up a world-leading quantum training lab to establishing entirely new educational programs like the Master of Science (MSc) in Quantum Information Science – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)The team collaborates closely with quantum researchers across the Niels Bohr Institute and partner organizations, including Astra*, Science Talents, Academy for Talented Youth, the LIFE foundation, and IBM Quantum Denmark, together, they reach a wide student audience.

We sat down with Kim Splittorff to learn more about the group's objectives and activities.

Images: Preparation of an optical setup in the Quantum Training Lab

Hi Kim thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Can you provide a brief overview of the main objectives of the NQCP Education & Outreach group?

Kim Splittorff: The main purpose of the Education & Outreach group is to make sure that we have ample and well-educated hands for the ongoing quantum technology revolution, that is, a quantum-ready workforce. A quantum-ready workforce is, for example, quantum specialists that can go into research groups, or work in quantum companies. There is already a high demand for such quantum expertise and a lack of talent can become a bottleneck for the quantum technology revolution. A quantum-ready workforce also includes specialists from other fields that have obtained enough knowledge of quantum technologies to engage in the quantum technology revolution.

What are the typical tasks your group members have?

Kim Splittorff: Everyone in the team balances their roles in the Education & Outreach group with their quantum research responsibilities within NQCP. Each member's involvement in Education & Outreach is tailored to align with their specific quantum research area.  For instance, team members might be part of the NQCP photonic platform team and at the same time establish a state-of-the-art experimental quantum photonics lab for hands-on learning. Others might be using their research expertise from the NQCP Algorithms and Applications team to develop new teaching material which makes quantum computing more accessible for students.

Common for all of us is that we have a passion for teaching and making quantum knowledge accessible.

What are the key facilities and technologies of the Education & Outreach group ?

Kim Splittorff: With NBI colleagues, we are establishing a Quantum Training Lab which will allow students to experience the latest quantum technologies hands-on in a lab that is on par with the research labs. Students will be able to do qubit experiments, single photon experiments, and much more. Our ambition is to cover the entire range of quantum technologies: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. The goal of the new Quantum Training Lab is to diversify quantum education, thereby making it not only more accessible but also more engaging. Not all students learn optimally from a book and by solving problems using pen and paper, but this is the way most quantum physics is taught. By diversifying quantum education, more students will be able to see how their personal skillset can be used in the development of new quantum technologies.

Images: Installation of the first of five Cryostats in the Quantum Training Lab

Could you share some insights into the current and future projects the Education & Outreach group is working on?

Kim Splittorff: We are currently focused on establishing the Quantum Training Lab and developing teaching materials tailored to various educational levels. Another aspect of our work involves disseminating knowledge about quantum technologies to a broader audience, including investors, IT professionals, lawyers, and state organizations. Looking ahead, we aim to develop a more conceptual approach to quantum physics where simulations play an important part.  

Lastly, what are the long-term goals and how do you see the group's work impacting the field of Education & Outreach in the next few years?

Kim Splittorff: Our long-term goal is to ensure a quantum-ready workforce. This includes not only inspiring and training the coming generations but also attracting talent and continued education for professionals. It's an exciting time for the NQCP Education & Outreach team, we are not only shaping the future of quantum education but also of the quantum technology revolution. Because without a strong educational foundation and talent-pipeline, the quantum revolution simply won't achieve its full potential.

Thanks a lot Kim!

For further information about the group click here:

https://nqcp.ku.dk/our-work/education-team/

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