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Zhu receives NSF Convergence grant

27 August 2017

Jun Zhu, associate professor of physics at Penn State, has received a National Science Foundation Convergence award as part of the Growing Convergent Research at NSF portfolio. The program seeks to highlight the deep integration of multiple disciplines in order to advance scientific discovery and innovation.

Jun Zhu, associate professor of physics. Credit: Penn StateThe first set of 23 awards will support workshops, summer institutes and Research Coordination Networks that promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

Zhu will receive $157,564 for "NSF/DOE Quantum Science Summer School." This annual summer program will help educate future researchers for the second quantum revolution by combining select graduate students with researchers in fields varying from condensed matter physics to quantum chemistry and engineering. Potential areas of discovery will include quantum computing, quantum cryptography and quantum sensing, which will require a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, but also practical understanding of microwave electronics; cryogenic and ultra-high vacuum technologies; quantum materials; advanced computer programming; algorithm optimization; and device and systems engineering.

"NSF has supported cross-disciplinary collaboration for decades," said France Córdoba, director, NSF. "Convergence is a deeper, more intentional approach to the integration of knowledge, techniques and expertise from multiple disciplines in order to address the most compelling scientific and societal challenges."