$2.4 million dollars awarded to QMI projects

Posted: October 31, 2014

Two major proposals from the Quantum Matter Institute are funded by the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) this year. This means an injection of 2.4 million dollars of funding support for learning about quantum material behaviours and discovering new quantum materials. The two projects funded are:

◦Quantum Materials and Devices in the Microkelvin Regime will help to build the coldest experimental platform for electronics measurement in Canada for ultra-low temperatures – $659,400
◦Quantum Materials Devices Foundry will contribute to training the new generation of scientists and engineers for quantum materials – $1,739,738

70 projects are funded for a total of 26.9 million dollars at UBC. These projects were profiled during a visit by Andrew Wilkinson, BC Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services on Monday, October 27.

“Investment in such projects at UBC is having a transformative impact,” said UBC president, professor Arvind Gupta. “It is spurring innovation that makes B.C. a leader in areas as diverse as renewable energy and the treatment of devastating diseases. This in turn attracts more research and talent, enhancing the social and economic fabric that benefits all British Columbians.”

The Quantum Materials and Devices Foundry project, led by Dr. George Sawatzky from UBC Physics & Astronomy, received $1.7 million in funding. Quantum materials manifest a wide range of astonishing electronic and magnetic phenomena that embody the central scientific questions challenging the field of condensed matter physics. Devices fabricated from quantum materials are driving technological advances that hold enormous potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, telecommunications, next-generation computing, alternative energy and medicine. The new investment will continue to build on UBC’s expertise and leadership in this fast evolving area.

The Quantum Materials and Devices in the MicroKelvin Regime project led by Dr. Joshua Folk and received $659,400. This New Initiatives Fund grant will help build the coldest experimental platform for electronics measurements in Canada – and more convenient measurement access to ultra low temperatures than anywhere else in the world. The facility will help UBC scientists better understand superconductivity and contribute to the realization of quantum materials in everyday lives.

For more information, visit:
◦UBC News Release: UBC puts $26.9 million to work for 70 research projects
◦Government of BC News Release: UBC receives $26.9 million for 70 research projects

Photo credit: Don Erhardt