Richard Bird is the retired executive vice-president corporate development and chief financial officer of Enbridge Inc., retired chairman of Alberta Investment Management Corp., and founder and president of Ptarmigan Charitable Foundation.
Unravelling that mystery is worth investing in. I believe it’s vital. The discoveries from research in quantum science at its most basic level, theoretical science, could be transformational to the human condition. The strategy for establishing Quantum Horizons Alberta in the forefront of global quantum research is to bring in the best and brightest minds in the field, both well-established senior scholars and high-potential early-career scholars, to augment the existing bench strength in Alberta. This will include eight new faculty to begin with and as many or more promising postdoctoral fellows, as well as funding numerous PhD students.
Leveraging Alberta’s robust research ecosystem – already home to quantum research and innovation excellence – Quantum Horizons Alberta has the potential to elevate Canada’s stature in fundamental quantum science research, lay the foundation for advances in the field, attract and retain high-calibre scientists, and train the next generation of experts.