Attracting More Women into Quantum Science & Technology
14th June 2021
Last Friday (June 11th), Trinity College Dublin and Microsoft Ireland announced details of a new collaboration focused on accelerating advancements in next-generation quantum technologies and attracting and training future world-leaders in the field. The collaboration will further strengthen Ireland’s position as a key player in quantum research globally.
Microsoft will provide significant funding to support PhD students working on cutting-edge quantum research at Trinity and the establishment of a female scholarship programme for Trinity’s MSc in Quantum Science and Technology, which will start in September 2021.
The programme will place a unique emphasis on direct engagement with wider industry via Trinity’s MSc internship programme. Applicants are encouraged to apply here>>
The collaboration, which comes after the announcement of Microsoft’s Azure Quantum (the world’s first full-stack, open-cloud quantum computing ecosystem), will support quantum research teams in Trinity’s School of Physics and foster interactions with some of the leading research teams in the private sector to further ignite activity in the field in Ireland.
The collaboration is spearheaded by Trinity Professors John Goold and Stefano Sanvito. Professor Goold, who will direct the new MSc in Quantum Science and Technology course, said: “We are thrilled to team up with Microsoft to pursue exciting research in a field of increasing scientific and societal significance. Having emerged from fundamental science over the last two decades, quantum research is now blossoming and promises to revolutionise technology in the coming years with discoveries and innovations that promise to power a more sustainable, advanced future.
“We are also delighted that Microsoft is supporting a female-only scholarship programme for the new MSc in Quantum Science and Technology. As diversity has grown in my research team at Trinity, we have been more creative in pursuing and delivering high-quality science.
Female uptake in certain STEM subjects remains low but initiatives like this are helping to drive positive change.”
Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “Quantum computing presents unprecedented possibilities to solve society’s most complex challenges and help to secure a sustainable future. At Microsoft, we’re committed to responsibly turning these possibilities into reality for the betterment of humanity and the planet.
“That is why we are so excited to team up with the team at Trinity to put a focus on advancing research in this area and help to position Ireland as a leader in quantum technologies.
The introduction of the female scholarship programme is a welcome one and I believe more focused mechanisms such as this will help us to attract more females not only into the area of next-generation quantum technologies but also wider STEM related industries.
Applications for this scholarship are open and I’d encourage anyone with the right skills and interest to apply, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Image (l-r): Prof Linda Doyle, who will become Provost of Trinity College Dublin later this year and Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland pictured at the Campanile as Microsoft and Trinity announced they are joining forces to accelerate advancements in next-generation quantum technologies. (Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography 2021)
