Michigan State University has joined Purdue University and the University of Michigan to form a Midwest-based alliance that will push the frontiers of quantum science and engineering research, education and training.

The Midwest Quantum Collaboratory, or MQC, will foster new cutting-edge projects across the universities, creating new opportunities for leading researchers in quantum computing and information science. MQC will also bolster the universities’ work preparing their graduates to power the rapidly growing quantum workforce.

“Each of the MQC universities is bringing its unique strengths and partnerships to the collaboration to provide even greater training and opportunities for our students," said Angela K. Wilson, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in MSU’s College of Natural Science’s Department of Chemistry.

Although navigating everyday life usually doesn’t require expertise in quantum mechanics — the science governing atoms and electrons — it can revolutionize how we solve a variety of real-world problems. For example, researchers are creating quantum computing hardware and software and that could lead to paradigm shifts in finance, logistics and cybersecurity.

“In the future, the use of quantum computers will be everywhere, regardless of field. Quantum computers are predicted to take the place of computers as we now know them, so jobs will become quite prevalent,” said Wilson, who is also the director of the MSU Center for Quantum Computing, Science and Engineering, or MSU-Q.

Read full story at MSU Today.