Penn State launches quantum theory center

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched a new center dedicated to quantum science and germinating cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Center for Theory of Emergent Quantum Matter (C-TEQ) aims to unite researchers across colleges, institutes and departments, catalyze transformative discoveries and enhance the University’s global visibility in quantum science, according to Jainendra K. Jain, Evan Pugh University Professor, Erwin W. Müller Professor of Physics and Eberly Chair in Physics. 

Jain will serve as the center’s founding director. 

C-TEQ will be managed by the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) and housed under the institute’s Quantum Hub. By studying emergent phenomena in complex quantum materials, researchers aim to uncover principles that could lead to novel materials and quantum technologies, including quantum computers capable of solving problems far beyond the reach of today’s machines. 

“The launch of C-TEQ builds on ICDS’ recent creation of the Quantum Hub, linking units focused on quantum theory, simulation and data,” said Guido Cervone, ICDS director. “Under Jainendra’s leadership, C-TEQ will accelerate interdisciplinary breakthroughs and strengthen Penn State’s excellence in quantum research.” 

The Quantum Hub is one of five ICDS research hubs. Each hub seeks to foster innovation and build a University-wide network to drive cutting-edge research. Under the Quantum Hub, C-TEQ will be a leader in generating new quantum research collaborations and findings. 

“Beyond his brilliant mind and persistent drive to answer fundamental questions related to the quantum world, Jainendra is a dedicated educator with a deep determination to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said Mauricio Terrones, George A. and Margaret M. Downsbrough Head of the Department of Physics in the Eberly College of Science. 

According to Jain, C-TEQ’s mission is to “create a unique collaborative structure that ignites transformative quantum research and attracts significant external funding.”  

The center will serve as a catalyst for uniting theorists across disciplines and integrating diverse methodologies to accelerate discoveries, Jain said. 

“We are on the cusp of a quantum revolution,” Jain said. “Penn State already has a strong quantum community, but researchers are spread across many departments. C-TEQ will connect them in fruitful ways and make these efforts more visible both internally and externally.” 

C-TEQ’s research portfolio will span the study of emergent quantum matter, exotic particles and the integration of artificial intelligence with quantum science. The center aims to create an environment where faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students can develop bold ideas leading to unexpected and transformative discoveries. 

"This new center leverages the inherent strength of the interdisciplinary network that Penn State is known for to bring together outstanding talent,” said Tracy Langkilde, Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science. “Our college and its highly ranked physics department are the core academic home of many of these great minds and a key driver of the fundamental research that serves as the building blocks for tomorrow’s innovations. This center will ignite additional collaborations to tackle complex scientific questions on the frontiers of quantum matter." 

Andrew Read, senior vice president for research, echoed Langkilde.  

“C-TEQ reflects Penn State’s firm commitment to fundamental research that expands human knowledge and fuels future technologies,” Read said. “I look forward to the groundbreaking discoveries that will emerge from this remarkable initiative.” 

Jain emphasized that C-TEQ will also provide ample opportunities for postdoctoral scholars and students to collaborate closely with experts at the forefront of the field, strengthening Penn State’s role as a hub for advanced quantum research. 

“I want to express my profound gratitude to Tracy, Andrew, Guido, Mauricio and Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos for their vision, leadership and generous support in establishing C-TEQ,” Jain said. “As we close out the International Year of Quantum that recognizes the first 100 years of this field of study, this commitment emphasizes the University’s investment in the future of this field, too.” 

The Eberly College of Science and the Penn State Office of Senior Vice President for Research are financially supporting the center. 

The faculty current members of C-TEQ are Zhen Bi, assistant professor of physics; Long-Qing Chen, Donald W. Hamer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and professor of mathematics and of engineering science and mechanics; Swaroop Ghosh, professor of electrical engineering and computer science; Vasant Honavar, professor of informatics and intelligent systems; Thomas Iadecola, associate professor of physics, Ribhu Kaul, professor of physics; Xiantao Li, professor of mathematics; Chaoxing Liu, professor of physics; Vincent Meunier, professor and department head of engineering science and mechanics; Lukas Muechler, assistant professor of chemistry and of physics; Marcos Rigol, distinguished professor of physics; Sarah Shandera, professor of physics; Abhinav Verma, assistant professor of computer science and engineering; and Binghai Yan, professor of physics, in addition to many affiliate members comprising both theorists and experimentalists.  

Call for postdoctoral scholars 

C-TEQ is inviting applications for postdoctoral research fellows to collaborate with faculty on high-profile quantum research projects. Applicants must hold a doctorate by the start date. Reviews of applications will begin after Dec. 15 and continue until positions are filled. Start date is flexible but can be immediate. Interested candidates may apply through WorkDay.