The quantum groups at the Computer Science Departments of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the University of Oxford recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This was initiated by the Quantum Information and Computation Initiative (QICI) of the Computer Science Department, HKU Faculty of Engineering.
The MoU consolidates a long-standing collaboration between the Oxford Quantum Group and the Quantum Information, Foundations, and Technologies Group at HKU to establish an “HKU-Oxford Joint Lab for Quantum Information and Computation”.
Under the MoU, members of the Joint Lab will have opportunities to spend extended visits and conduct research on the broad spectrum of topics covered by the quantum groups at the two universities.
One PhD student at the University of Oxford stated that the HKU-Oxford collaboration provides a unique opportunity for students at both universities to be immersed in the vibrant academic community and traditions in the University of Oxford, whilst also experiencing the innovative research and cosmopolitan city life in Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the HKU and Oxford quantum groups have recently been awarded a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, which provides them with funding to hire joint postdoctoral fellows. With the support of the grant, a workshop on the intersection between quantum information and quantum gravity was held in the week of January 13 to 17, 2020 in Hong Kong.
In addition, the collaboration will include the exchange of mutual research visits, joint participation in grant applications, and joint supervision of PhD students in order to facilitate the exchange of talents between the two partner groups and the training of young researchers in the growing area of quantum information and computation.
An MoU signing ceremony was held on January 15, 2020, at HKU. It was attended by HKU Acting- Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), HKU Dean of Engineering, Joint Head of the Quantum Group at the University of Oxford, HKU Head of Department of Computer Science, Director of HKU Quantum Information and Computation Initiative (QICI) and members of the HKU and Oxford groups.
The establishment of the MoU with the University of Oxford is an important step for the research and development of quantum information and computation within the Faculty of Engineering of HKU.
The university has high expectations for the collaboration with the Oxford Quantum Group, and for the establishment of a Joint Lab for Quantum Information and Computation.
It will push forward the boundaries of current knowledge of quantum information and will lead to potentially disruptive new technologies.
About the Quantum Information and Computation Initiative (QICI) at The University of Hong Kong
The Department of Computer Science at HKU established the Quantum Information and Computation Initiative (QICI) in November 2018.
The group is led by Professor Giulio Chiribella with a mission to accelerate the development of quantum information in Hong Kong and to promote Hong Kong as an international research hub for quantum information and computation.
