
News
September 16, 2025
$5M in State, Private Funding Supports Hub to Meld Quantum Science, Thermodynamics
UMD-based Research Initiative’s Projects Range From Quantum Tech to Nature of Time
**$5M Boost for UMD-Led Hub Aiming to Fuse Quantum Science and Thermodynamics**
College Park, MD – The University of Maryland (UMD) is set to become a major center for groundbreaking research at the intersection of quantum science and thermodynamics, thanks to a newly established research initiative bolstered by $5 million in funding from state and private sources. This significant investment will fuel a diverse range of projects, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, from the development of cutting-edge quantum technologies to exploring the very nature of time itself.
The initiative brings together a team of leading physicists, engineers, and researchers from across UMD and collaborating institutions. Their ambitious goal is to bridge the gap between the seemingly disparate fields of quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels, and thermodynamics, which deals with heat, energy, and entropy.
"This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to unlock the potential of quantum thermodynamics," explained a lead researcher involved in the initiative. "By combining these two fundamental areas of physics, we can pave the way for revolutionary technologies and gain deeper insights into the workings of the universe."
The projects supported by this funding are remarkably diverse. One area of focus is the development of novel quantum technologies. Researchers are exploring how to harness the principles of thermodynamics to improve the efficiency and performance of quantum computers, sensors, and other quantum devices. By controlling and manipulating heat at the quantum level, they aim to overcome current limitations and create more robust and powerful quantum systems.
Beyond the practical applications, the initiative will also delve into fundamental questions about the nature of time. The relationship between thermodynamics and time is a long-standing puzzle in physics. The team plans to investigate how the laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law which dictates the increase of entropy, influence our perception and understanding of time's arrow. This research could potentially challenge our current understanding of the universe and its fundamental laws.
The $5 million investment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of quantum science and its potential to transform various sectors. This initiative promises to not only advance our scientific knowledge but also to train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. The UMD-based hub is poised to become a global leader in quantum thermodynamics, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
College Park, MD – The University of Maryland (UMD) is set to become a major center for groundbreaking research at the intersection of quantum science and thermodynamics, thanks to a newly established research initiative bolstered by $5 million in funding from state and private sources. This significant investment will fuel a diverse range of projects, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, from the development of cutting-edge quantum technologies to exploring the very nature of time itself.
The initiative brings together a team of leading physicists, engineers, and researchers from across UMD and collaborating institutions. Their ambitious goal is to bridge the gap between the seemingly disparate fields of quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels, and thermodynamics, which deals with heat, energy, and entropy.
"This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to unlock the potential of quantum thermodynamics," explained a lead researcher involved in the initiative. "By combining these two fundamental areas of physics, we can pave the way for revolutionary technologies and gain deeper insights into the workings of the universe."
The projects supported by this funding are remarkably diverse. One area of focus is the development of novel quantum technologies. Researchers are exploring how to harness the principles of thermodynamics to improve the efficiency and performance of quantum computers, sensors, and other quantum devices. By controlling and manipulating heat at the quantum level, they aim to overcome current limitations and create more robust and powerful quantum systems.
Beyond the practical applications, the initiative will also delve into fundamental questions about the nature of time. The relationship between thermodynamics and time is a long-standing puzzle in physics. The team plans to investigate how the laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law which dictates the increase of entropy, influence our perception and understanding of time's arrow. This research could potentially challenge our current understanding of the universe and its fundamental laws.
The $5 million investment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of quantum science and its potential to transform various sectors. This initiative promises to not only advance our scientific knowledge but also to train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. The UMD-based hub is poised to become a global leader in quantum thermodynamics, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
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