University Names New Director of National Quantum Laboratory

An expert in quantum physics, computing and networking has been tapped to serve as director of the National Quantum Laboratory at Maryland (QLab), effective Sept. 1. Norbert Linke, currently a professor of physics at Duke University, brings a decade of experience running a quantum computer user facility and conducting research on the applications of trapped atomic ions.

The appointment returns Linke to the University of Maryland’s Department of Physics, where he was a faculty member from 2019 to 2022. He’ll hold the first IonQ Professorship, an endowed position designed to support faculty focused on quantum computing research and advancing quantum strategy in Maryland and beyond. The IonQ Professorship was established with a $1 million gift from quantum computing firm IonQ, a UMD spinoff firm based in the university’s Discovery District, and fully matched by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The match was made through the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund, a state program created to spur basic and applied research in scientific and technical fields at colleges and universities.

Linke co-invented several of the original patents that enabled the launch of IonQ, which debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. The QLab was established the same year through a partnership between the company and UMD as the nation's first user facility to provide the global scientific community with hands-on access to a commercial-grade quantum computer.

"I'm honored to lead the QLab in its mission to make quantum computing accessible and drive innovation. I'm excited to work with the talented team here to push the boundaries of what's possible with this technology," Linke said. UMD “President (Darryll J.) Pines gave QLab a motto, which is ‘Quantum for All.’ Following this, my vision for QLab is to provide broad access to the latest quantum resources for researchers, commercial stakeholders, as well as students and educators.”

The QLab fosters a vibrant quantum community, through its QLab Fellows and Global User Programs, as well as the QLab Collaboration Space, a dedicated hub for innovation. The QLab also supports groundbreaking research through seed grants and collaborations with companies in the Quantum Startup Foundry, resulting in numerous publications and software development.

“Linke’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of quantum computing and foster a collaborative environment for innovation,” said Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth, vice president of information technology and chief information officer at UMD.

Linke's appointment comes at a time of rapid growth and development in the field of quantum computing, especially in the state of Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore recently announced the $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative, anchored by UMD and built on a landmark public-private partnership.