New insight into the laws of nature and advances in quantum technology may soon be possible thanks to a transformational gift from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.
With its first investment in a Canadian university, the prominent German foundation has established the Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI at the University of Waterloo, with an aim to accelerate research with exciting possibilities for industry and society.
The physics of information provides a bridge between quantum theory and advanced technologies, including quantum computing and communication. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the field has expanded to include machine learning and quantum algorithm design. Discoveries in this growing discipline promise to inspire innovation in areas ranging from medicine to materials science to cybersecurity.
Housed in the Faculty of Mathematics, the Dieter Schwarz Chair will be held by Dr. Achim Kempf, a professor of mathematical physics in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Waterloo. Kempf brings a wealth of experience to the role, including 10 years as Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Information. He is deeply embedded in the Waterloo research ecosystem as an associate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute, and an associate member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He also chaired the International Society for Relativistic Quantum Information for six years and currently serves on its advisory board.
Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Reinhold Geilsdörfer, chief executive officer of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, at the gift announcement and signing ceremony.
"I'm honoured to take on this exciting new position with support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation," Kempf said. "The physics of information is likely the key to understanding machine learning and, vice versa, machine learning is likely to be the key to bringing quantum technology to maturity. That synergy holds the potential to dramatically change our way of life. It's a privilege to lead this research and build a global team of experts in the field."
As the Dieter Schwarz Chair, Kempf will create a global research hub grounded in strong partnerships with the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn, Germany. Mobilizing knowledge between the two regions and others worldwide the chair will build an elite research team at Waterloo that will include a tenure-track professor and several top graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
"We're grateful to the Dieter Schwarz Foundation for this extraordinary investment," said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. "The Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI is a perfect example of the Waterloo at 100 vision in action. By mobilizing research and educating leaders in this field, the chair will help to ensure that our communities and partners are ready to lead in a future that promises immense opportunity to serve the needs of humanity and the planet."
One of the largest non-profit foundations in Germany, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation supports initiatives in science and education that prepare society to thrive in a constantly evolving future. The projects they support all connect to the Foundation's home city of Heilbronn, which features a flourishing innovation ecosystem.
"We're delighted to support Dr. Kempf and his research team at the University of Waterloo," said Reinhold Geilsdörfer, chief executive officer of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. "The Dieter Schwarz Chair will facilitate an exchange of knowledge between the Waterloo and Heilbronn networks that will prepare us all to embrace the future with confidence and enthusiasm. I look forward to celebrating the impact of our partnership in the years to come."
