Rep. Andrea Salinas Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Quantum Research Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today,Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering (QISE) Act, bipartisan legislation to help researchers get the equipment they need to build the next generation of quantum technology. The bill would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to fund shared research facilities and specialized equipment used by universities, startups, and laboratories. Additionally, the bill would encourage universities to work with community and technical colleges to provide hands-on learning experiences for their students. These investments would support research and development in quantum information science, technology, and engineering.
“Quantum technology will define the next generation of innovation, and Oregon has the talent and research institutions to help lead the way. If we want to build a strong quantum workforce here at home and across the country, we have to give students and researchers hands-on access to the tools of the future,” said Rep. Salinas. “This bill directs NSF to fund the shared research facilities and instrumentation our universities and startups need to turn breakthrough research into good-paying jobs and real-world solutions for Oregon families.”
“Quantum science is among the world’s fastest-growing areas of research, and leading in quantum research carries significant implications for innovation, our economy, and our national security,” said Congressman Baird. “The U.S. has led the world in quantum science for years. By further investing in this research, this legislation will help ensure we maintain our global competitive advantage. I thank Congresswoman Salinas for introducing this bill and for working with me on this critical issue.”
The bill would amend the existing National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) to allow the NSF to fund upgrades to research facilities, instruments, and equipment, among other resources. The goal of these investments is to make it easier to do quantum research, train skilled workers, and move discoveries from the lab into the marketplace.
“Quantum research and technology innovation is an exciting arena for university scientists and engineers, but there are real barriers to access the necessary state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation required to do this work,” said Dr. Irem Tumer, Vice President of Research at Oregon State University. “We know from experience that investment in NSF to support the needed instrumentation and facilities for university-led research, as well as shared access to these resources, is critical to accelerate science and to grow the community of scientists who are able to contribute their expertise. OSU applauds Representative Salinas for introducing the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act to directly address these barriers.”
"The University of Oregon has a crucial role to play in our nation’s quantum future as a testbed for computing and instrumentation advancement,” said Geri Richmond, Interim Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Oregon. “NSF tapped UO faculty working at the leading edge of quantum networks for a demonstration pilot project aimed at giving telescopes sharper vision and providing more secure encryption for digital transactions. The UO applauds the introduction of the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act and the huge leap forward it represents.”
“Oregon Tech is proud to support the introduction of the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act,” said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President of Oregon Institute of Technology. “As an emerging research institution with faculty engaged in quantum science, we see firsthand how critical access to specialized equipment and instrumentation is. Investments in the National Science Foundation will help drive innovation and advance new quantum capabilities.”
“Intel applauds Rep. Salinas for her leadership in introducing the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering (QISE) Act,” said Al Thompson, Vice President US & Canada Government Affairs, Intel Corporation. “We support the bill’s focus on expanding access to critical quantum research infrastructure. Intel brings deep expertise in quantum computing, with silicon-based spin qubits that leverage our leading-edge process nodes and high-volume microelectronics manufacturing infrastructure and experience. We support efforts such as this to help position the United States for scalable quantum manufacturing leadership.”
“The Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act makes critical investments in the research infrastructure and shared resources needed to advance quantum science,” said Indiana University Vice President for Research Russ Mumper. “This bipartisan effort will help ensure the United States and institutions like IU remain at the forefront of quantum research, workforce development, and technological leadership.”
“At Purdue, we are advancing cutting-edge work in quantum computing, sensing, and communication that is critical to U.S. economic and national security leadership,” said Dan DeLaurentis, Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue University. “We thank Representatives Baird and Salinas for their leadership on this legislation, which will help accelerate quantum research and strengthen the talent pipeline needed to keep the United States at the forefront of this transformative technology.”
Full text of the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act can be found by clicking here.
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