About
![[Translate to English:] Pavillon exterieur](/iq/fileadmin/_processed_/c/4/csm_20211028_iq_pavillon_exterieur_fd39087aef.jpeg)
![[Translate to English:] Pavillon interieur](/iq/fileadmin/_processed_/c/f/csm_Pavillon_interieur_6470390bb3.jpeg)
The Institut quantique (IQ) at the Université de Sherbrooke is a cutting-edge research center dedicated to the exploration and development of quantum science and technology.
With a focus on interdisciplinarity, the IQ brings together researchers, students and industrial partners to push back the boundaries of knowledge in fields such as quantum information, quantum materials and quantum engineering, while setting in motion projects that explore the potential of quantum science and technologies to solve complex problems for the world of today and tomorrow.
Thanks to its world-class technological infrastructures, experimental platforms and commitment to collaboration and innovation, IQ is positioned as a world leader in quantum research. With a focus on training future generations of researchers and professionals, IQ aims to transform these discoveries into technologies that will have a positive impact on society, the economy and a wide range of sectors.
IQ in numbers
- Professors : 39
- Students : 211
- Postdoctoral Fellows : 24
- Research staff : 39
- Publications (2023) : 93
IQ's research axis
Research at the institut quantique is organized around four complementary research axes covering a wide range of disciplines and applications.
- The Quantum Information axis explores the theoretical and experimental foundations of quantum systems to develop technologies such as quantum computers and sensors.
- The Quantum Materials axis focuses on the study of the emerging properties of exotic materials, essential for the fabrication of tomorrow's quantum devices.
- Quantum Engineering is concerned with integrating these discoveries into practical technologies, by developing the devices and systems needed to translate theory into concrete applications.
- Finally, Quantum Complices, from disciplines such as management, finance, biology or the humanities, help to broaden the scope of quantum technologies, by posing ethical questions and exploring the uses of quantum technologies in their respective fields.
IQ's history 2015-2023
September 2015: Canada First Research Fund Grant From Quantum science to Quantum technology
At $33.5 million, UdeS awards the largest grant since its inception.
February 2016: Creation of the Quantum Institute
The 22 scientists working in the field of quantum physics have come together under the banner of the Institut quantique (IQ).
June 2016: Creation of the Laboratoire international associé - Laboratoire et circuits et matériaux quantiques (LIA-LCMQ)
This agreement between France's Centre national de recherche scientifique and the UdeS consolidates Franco-Quebec collaboration.
January 2018 : Grant awarded for the construction of the Institut quantique
The Canada Foundation for Innovation awards IQ a grant for the construction of a $17 million building dedicated to quantum science and technology research.
June 2018 : Creation of the Integrated Innovation Chain
An interface between university research and the development of new industrial products, the Integrated Innovation Chain is made up of the IQ, the Institut interdisciplinaire d'innovation technologique (3IT) and the Centre de collaboration Miqro Innovation (C2MI).
July 2018 : The QSciTech interdisciplinary training program is born
This new integrated training program enables quantum physics students to acquire a grounding in engineering and, conversely, engineering and computer science students to be trained in quantum physics.
March 2019 : Collaboration agreement with the National Research Council Canada
NRC and UdeS sign agreement to explore and develop joint research projects in quantum science and technology.
January 2020 : Creation of the Quantum Excellence Network
UdeS and its partners, Université de Strasbourg, Macquarie University and Hamburg University, have founded the Quantum Excellence Network, a partnership aimed at developing a global quantum community.
June 2020 : IBM Q Hub opens at IQ
This quantum computing platform gives its members exclusive access to IBM's most advanced quantum computing systems.
February 2022 : Designation of Sherbrooke as an innovation zone for quantum sciences and technological applications
Through its mission of teaching, research and community services, IQ is a key partner in the Sherbrooke Innovation Zone, which aims to foster the growth of quantum science and technology.
May 2022 : Inauguration of the Institut quantique pavilion on the UdeS main campus
This signature building features state-of-the-art scientific equipment and laboratories, as well as convivial spaces for creative exchanges and meetings.
January 2023 : Visit of Professor Donna Strickland, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics
Professor at the University of Waterloo, her work on lasers made her the first Canadian and only the third woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics.
May 2023 : IQ receives $7 million from Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie
This sum is intended to support the training of highly qualified personnel in the field of quantum science and to increase the labor pool in this sector.
June 2023 : Canada Foundation for Innovation awards $11 million grant to Prof. Louis Taillefer
This sum will enable him to continue the work he is directing at UdeS, Mcmaster's University and the University of Toronto.
October 2023 : Prof. Isabelle Lacroix and Prof. Alexandre Blais receive a grant from the FRQ-STIMuleS program
This grant enables them to open a dialogue on the societal impacts of integrating quantum technologies into our society.
November 2023 : Visit from Prof. Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize in Physics 2022
The UdeS awarded him an honorary doctorate for his work, which marked the history of quantum physics and laid the foundations for the development of quantum technologies.
November 2023 : Prof. Maia Vergniory, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Topological Quantum Materials
Highly interdisciplinary, Pre Vergniory's research program lies at the crossroads of physics, chemistry and computer science.