Opportunities and Programs for CQIQC Faculty

1. The Bell Prize
   
   The John Stewart Bell Prize for Research on Fundamental Issues in Quantum Mechanics and their Applications ("Bell Prize") was established in 2009 by the Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control to honor John Bell, whose ground-breaking work laid the foundations for modern applications of quantum mechanics but also forever changed the way we view nature, locality, and causality. The biennial award recognizes the most recent major advances relating to the foundations of quantum mechanics and to the applications of these principles – this covers, but is not limited to, quantum information theory, quantum computation, quantum foundations, quantum cryptography, and quantum control. The winner is selected by an arms-length committee of international experts, and the award presented at the CQIQC's biennial meeting in Toronto. The prize is not intended as a "lifetime achievement" award, but rather to highlight the continuing rapid pace of research in these areas. It is intended to cover even-handedly theoretical and experimental research, both fundamental and applied.
   
   See: http://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/bell_prize/index.html


2. CQIQC Postdoctoral Fellowships
   
   Available to attract excellent postdoctoral researchers from other institutions in Canada or abroad. Applications will be invited when funding is available. The total stipend will be $50,000. Half of that award will be paid by CQIQC and half will be matched by the supervisor(s). This is one of our flagship programs and we restrict awards to only very best postdoctoral applicants. The subject of the proposed research should be developed in consultation with a CQIQC faculty member.
   
   Application: please send a CV (including list of publications), a 2-page description of your present research (including a description of past or current connections, if any, with research group(s) at the University of Toronto) and a 2-page proposal for your postdoctoral research; also arrange to have 2-3 letters of reference sent directly to CQIQC. The CQIQC faculty supervisor(s) should be clearly indicated in a cover letter.
   
   Upcoming deadline for applications: 31 January 2013
   
   Submit applications to:
   Anna Ho
   CQIQC Administrator
   University of Toronto
   80 St. George St.
   Toronto, Ontario M5S3H6
   aho@chem.utoronto.ca


3. Quantum Teas
   
   On the first Wednesday of each month we host tea and coffee for students, postdocs and faculty in the chemical physics theory group lounge, 4th floor of Lash-Miller building, 3-4 PM. This is a good opportunity for cross-group discussions and to update each other on recent research highlights. Occasionally we have informal presentations/discussions on a topic of current interest.


4. Seminar Series
   
   Our seminar series, held Fridays in the Fields Institute, has been consistently popular. In 2012/13 the series will be organized by a CQIQC student committee Please pass on speaker suggestions to the committee. They will also nominate one special lecturer each semester that the students will host. This is considered an honor for the invitees and it will be a fun experience for the students to meet with a leader in the field of that lecture. For suggestions regarding seminar speakers for the 2012/2013 series, please contact CQIQC-seminar@physics.utoronto.ca.
   
   The 2012/13 seminar committee is:
   Agata Branczyk
   Greg Dmochowski
   Dongpeng Kang
   Cathal Smyth
   Timur Tscherbul
   
   See: http://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/seminars/index.html


5. CQIQC Undergraduate Summer Research Studentships
   
   Summer research studentships are awarded each year to enable undergraduate students to experience research in quantum information and quantum control. Projects range from mathematics to laser cooled atoms. Applications for 2013 summer studentships are now open. Please email applications to Anna Ho(aho@chem.utoronto.ca).
   
   Your application consists of a cover letter that indicates which CQIQC professor(s) you are interested to work with and your CV. All attachments in pdf format. Deadline 15 March 2013.


6. Visiting Scientists
   
   Distinguished visitors sponsored by two or more CQIQC faculty members can be partly supported by CQIQC (typically at the level of $1000–$4000). Applications can be made anytime, and decisions will be announced biannually. Usually these awards are for our external affiliates.
   
   Application: A one-page (max.) description of the benefits to CQIQC, particularly to student training, and a proposed budget.


7. The CQIQC Biennial Conference

Every two years we host a conference at the Fields Institute, Toronto, in the area of Quantum Information and Quantum Control. In addition to invited lectures and contributed talks, we award the prestigious John Stewart Bell Prize.


8. Faculty of Arts and Science 299 Research Opportunity Program

We are planning to make projects available for undergraduates in this program to introduce quantum information and control. Details to come.