VANCOUVER — The University of B.C.’s Quantum Matter Institute will receive a seven-year grant worth a total $66.5 million from the federal government.
UBC said it is the largest government investment in a single UBC research program, and will secure the university’s standing as a global leader in quantum matter research.
The university was one of five recipients to receive a total of almost $350 million in the inaugural round of funding. The funding program was created to propel Canada’s top performing institutions and research centres onto the world stage.
UBC president Arvind Gupta was thrilled with Ottawa's vision to help establish UBC as a global centre for high-tech quantum materials research. “The groundbreaking scientific discoveries in this field have the potential to create practical applications that could spur new industries and employment here and abroad and provide significant public benefits in areas like health and the environment.” Gupta said.
Quantum physics is the study of the unusual behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic level.
The funding will also strengthen international partnerships, especially with the Max Planck Society of Germany. QMI is also home to the Max Planck-UBC Centre for Quantum Materials, the third international centre established by the prestigious Max Planck Society, and the only one dedicated to quantum materials research.
