Quad Centre of Excellence on Quantum Information Sciences (Quad CoE-QIS)

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Introduction

The Working Group on Quantum Information Sciences has come to be known as the “Quad Centre of Excellence on Quantum Information Sciences (Quad CoE-QIS)”. The Chief Scientist of Australia Dr. Cathey Foley and PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood have been appointed as the first co-chairs of Quad CoE-QIS. It is envisaged that it will consist of five expert members from government, academia, and industry from each of the four nations. India has nominated its five members to this expert group.

The first (launch) meeting of the Quad CoE-QIS was held in Melbourne on 9th June 2023 where the two co-chairs were present in person. Country Presentations were made to summarize the national status and future roadmaps of quantum technology-related activities in each of the four nations.

QUAD WORKING GROUP

During the meeting, the following recommendations emerged

1
Having 4 co-chairs of the Quad CoE-QIS, one from each nation.
2
The formation of four Task Forces on Computing, Communications, Sensors, and Ecosystem & Workforce Development, one to be led by each country.
3
These task forces will rely on experts in industry, engage in knowledge mapping, and work to facilitate coordination on supply chains.

Nominations for co-chairs from Japan and the US and nominations for CoE members from Australia, Japan, and the US are being made. The four Task Forces are also being set up.

Quad STEM Fellowships

The Quad STEM Fellowships were announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2021. The Fellowship will provide one hundred ellowships–25 from each Quad country–for graduate or doctoral studies in STEM fields in leading US universities.

PSA serves the International Advisory Board, which provides inputs on key design decisions related to the Fellowship’s founding and to support the accomplishment of the mission. The Board plays an integral role in advising on ways to identify and support cohort and connect them to opportunities that enable them to have a lasting positive impact on society.

INCLUSIONS

Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence in any STEM field and an aptitude and interest in public policy. This means a first-class honours degree at the undergraduate level.

The Fellowship includes:

1. Personal Award that will cover tuition and other expenses for a master’s or doctoral degree in a STEM field in a U.S. accredited institution, and expenses for research and travel.
2. Prior to commencement of the academic programme, Fellows will be flown to a location for an immersion and orientation programme.
3. Virtual Programming comprising lectures and discussions with leading STEM scholars, CEOs and government leaders.
4. Annual Quad Fellows Summit on the sidelines of Quad Leaders’ Summits. This will include an interactive session with Quad Leaders.
5. Alumni network to connect between cohorts.
6. Mentorship opportunities.
7. Competitions for funding opportunities. Corporate partners will sponsor this.