Q-Next

01/09/2026

In summer 2025, five fabulous undergraduates supported through the Open Quantum Initiative joined scientists at Argonne National Laboratory to help build qubits, probe quantum materials, write code for quantum hardware and explore how these technologies might one day power new computers and networks. Hosted by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, OQI brings students into the heart of the Midwest’s quantum ecosystem.

The students' stories are inspiring. Former Argonne intern Diana Elizabeth Dancea wrote this Q&A with those fabulous five. Find out what they did, where they're going, and what they learned about life as a researcher.

⚛ https://www.anl.gov/article/the-fabulous-five-open-quantum-initiative-undergraduate-fellows-conduct-research-at-argonne

Five students conduct quantum information research during a summer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory through the Open Quantum Initiative Undergraduate Fellowship.

01/06/2026

What happens when decades of transistor engineering meet quantum science?

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and Intel are showing how the building blocks of classical computing can be repurposed for the future. In a new collaboration led by Q-NEXT, the teams have deployed and are operating a 12-qubit quantum dot device. They've published their first results in Nature Communications.

The work draws a direct line from the transistor to the quantum dot, pairing Intel’s manufacturing expertise with Argonne’s deep physics and characterization capabilities. It’s a powerful example of how industry and national laboratories can combine strengths to tackle challenges neither could solve alone.

🔗 Read the full story:

In a collaboration between Argonne and Intel, researchers deploy a 12-qubit processor based on quantum dots in silicon, achieving a partnership and quantum technology milestone.

12/11/2025

TOP 🔟: Congratulations 🎉 to Q-NEXT CSO David Awschalom and collaborator Peter Maurer for making Physics World’s top 10 breakthroughs of the year.

https://physicsworld.com/a/top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-in-physics-for-2025-revealed/

Physics World recognized David and Peter for designing a protein that can be used as a magnetic field sensor inside living cells.

UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

A molecular superfluid, high-resolution microscope and a protein qubit are on our list

12/09/2025

Jeffrey Larson, a mathematician at Argonne National Laboratory, is helping advance computing and particle physics, serves as a mentor to students and postdocs, and earlier this year contributed to a groundbreaking study of randomness in quantum computing.

Learn more about Jeffrey, his research, and his outreach:

Whether he's optimizing fusion reactors or mentoring future scientists, Larson thrives on turning complex challenges into elegant solutions.

12/01/2025

Q-NEXT Chief Science Officer David Awschalom talks with the Chicago Sun-Times about encryption, computing and the growing ecosystem in the Midwest:

🔗 https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2025/11/30/quantum-computing-benefit-university-chicago-fermi-technology-science