Foundational research

Unconventional quantum computer sparks new insights

Unlocking the mysteries of the universe

Understanding how our brain works

Dr. Christine Muschik and researchers discussing ideas in front of a white board.

Unconventional quantum computer sparks new insights

For the first time, researchers at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the University of Innsbruck in Austria have performed a quantum simulation of a two-dimensional particle physics theory on a qudit quantum computer, bringing us closer to understanding nature at its most fundamental level. 

“Qudits could address complex problems in particle physics that traditional computational methods struggle with, potentially overcoming current limitations.”

Dr. Christine Muschik, professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Find out more about this quantum breakthrough →

Dr. Avery Broderick standing in front of a black board.

Unlocking the mysteries of the universe

An international team of scientists with a global network of telescopes are solving one of the great mysteries of the universe by bringing black holes into view for the first time. Five years after the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration was initiated, the first photos of a black hole in the centre of the M87 galaxy — captivated people around the world when they were published in the media.

“This is what can happen when we have a large group of people come together for a singular purpose. We can do amazing things. The possibilities are immense, and it is a problem we know the world needs answers to.” 

Dr. Avery Broderick, professor, Physics and Astronomy, Perimeter Institute 

Learn more about this exciting discovery →

Travis Craddock examines a miniature model of a brain in a jar while seated at his desk.

Understanding how our brain works

How the brain is wired has been understood for a long-time, but how that wiring results in neural activity and cognition remains a mystery. Researchers like Dr. Travis Craddock are using quantum mechanics to gain new insights into the brain and how it works. Craddock, a Science professor and the Canada Research Chair in Quantum Neurobiology, bridges the disciplines of biology and physics to map out the physical and molecular processes within the brain.

“A lot of physicists, like me, find biology incredibly fascinating. From a physics standpoint it's remarkable how these systems work and how they follow the laws of physics to give rise to a living system. Biology is very complex and so it is challenging to frame all of the interacting parts working together from a physics point of view.”

Dr. Travis Craddock, associate professor, Canada Research Chair in Quantum Neurobiology

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