UMD Researcher Joins Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy

The University of Maryland announced Friday that a widely respected member of its robust quantum research enterprise has been appointed to the new Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy (CUSP). 

Gretchen Campbell, associate vice president of quantum research and education, joins the high-level, bipartisan body tasked with developing a comprehensive national strategy to ensure the United States remains the global leader in a rapidly accelerating quantum competition.

As quantum technologies transition from theoretical physics to operational reality, the window to secure a durable advantage is narrowing. CUSP will bring together leaders from Congress, national laboratories and the private sector to bridge the gap between innovation and national power. 

“Gretchen Campbell’s appointment reflects the University of Maryland’s longstanding leadership at the forefront of quantum discovery and translation,” said Patrick O’Shea, UMD vice president and chief research officer. “Her expertise and collaborative approach will help ensure that the United States not only advances breakthrough technologies, but also builds the partnerships, workforce and infrastructure necessary to secure a lasting competitive advantage.”

CUSP will be led by co-chairs Ylli Bajraktari and U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico). They are joined by a distinguished group of experts and policymakers at the intersection of technology and security that includes executives and researchers from College Park-based IonQ, IBM, Google, Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. 

“Quantum science is at an inflection point,” Campbell said. “The discoveries of the past several decades are rapidly becoming technologies that will shape national security, economic competitiveness and the future of innovation.”