The Center, which aims to build skills in quantum computing and increase diversity and inclusion in the field, has nearly doubled membership with the addition of 10 new institutions.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is announcing it has joined the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, the nation’s first quantum education and research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) aimed at driving quantum skills development and building a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce.
FAMU is one of 10 newly added institutions that comprise the 23 HBCUs that have joined the Center to date. As part of the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, FAMU will have access to IBM quantum computers on the cloud, as well as opportunities for joint collaboration on research, education, and community outreach programs.
Charles A. Weatherford, Ph.D., FAMU vice president for Research, said the Center’s objectives to provide access to quantum computers on the IBM Cloud dovetail with the University’s research and educational goals for students and faculty.
“FAMU already has a large amount of quantum research ongoing. The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will allow a new emphasis to FAMU research focused on emerging quantum science areas and will facilitate collaborations among HBCUs and with the emerging quantum industry,” Weatherford added. “We are truly excited by this opportunity and will exploit all of the possibilities it provides for the benefit of our students and faculty.”
Driving a Diverse and Inclusive Quantum Workforce
Established in September 2020, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a multi-year investment designed to prepare and develop talent at HBCUs from all STEM disciplines for the quantum future. It emphasizes the power of community and focuses on developing students through support and funding for research opportunities, curriculum development, workforce advocacy, and special projects.
IBM continues to deliver on the Center’s goal to build a sustainable quantum research and education program by increasing the number of Black students educated in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE), strengthening research efforts of faculty at HBCUs in QISE, providing opportunities for scholarships, fellowships and internships, and empowering HBCUs to lead in the quantum workforce and broader Black communities.
“IBM’s priority in launching the Center is to support and facilitate quantum research and education for HBCU faculty and students as part of the growing quantum workforce,” said Kayla Lee, Ph.D., product manager for Community Partnerships, IBM Quantum. “We’re proud to continue building on the momentum of the founding institutions and looking forward to collaborating with Florida A&M University to build a quantum future.”
In addition to FAMU, the other nine universities joining the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center today, include:
- Alabama State University
- Bowie State University
- Delaware State University
- Dillard University
- Norfolk State University
- North Carolina Central University
- South Carolina State University
- Tennessee State University
- University of the District of Columbia
The 23 HBCUs participating in the Center were prioritized based on their research and education focus in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other STEM fields. For more information about the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center, read HBCU Center Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Computing.
