UWindsor researchers awarded $830,000 for quantum projects

Engineering professor Mitra Mirhassani is one of the UWindsor researchers receiving

a total of $830,000 in federal funding to support exploration of quantum science.

Three University of Windsor professors have been awarded a total of $830,000 in federal funding to support their research into quantum science.

Engineering professor Mitra Mirhassani, who specializes in automobile hardware cybersecurity, has been awarded $755,000 toward a project worth more than $5 million to develop secure cryptographic algorithms that can protect data from quantum cyberattacks.

Fellow engineering professor Jalal Ahamed received $50,000 for a pair of one-year projects, one involving improved temperature monitoring of electric vehicle batteries and the other improving the high-precision sensing needed to make electronic devices work.

Faculty of Science professor Drew Marquardt received $25,000 for a one-year project involving compact accelerator-driven neutron sources — an alternative to nuclear reactors for Canadian scientists.

For each of the projects, the UWindsor professors are partnering with industry or researchers at other North American universities.

“These projects are examples of the cutting-edge research being conducted at our university,” said Shanthi Johnson, UWindsor vice-president, research and innovation. “Our research aligns with national objectives and is helping to reinforce Canada’s position as a world leader in quantum science and technologies.”

Quantum science is the study of the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. Studying how the universe’s smallest building blocks interact with each other has allowed for the development of lasers and high-powered computers and has applications across all industries and facets of life, including healthcare, clean water, energy grids, and all Internet-connected devices.

The federal government in 2021 launched a national quantum strategy to amplify Canada's strengths in quantum research, grow its quantum-ready technologies, companies and talent, and solidify the country's global leadership in this area. Tuesday, it announced $74 million in funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support 107 projects across the country.

Sherry Romanado, parliamentary secretary to the president of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, announced the funding at a news conference at Institut National de la Recherche Centre in Varennes, Québec. Romanado and NSERC president Alejandro Adem made the announcement on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“Today’s announcement is a testament to our government’s commitment to supporting innovation, creating jobs and ensuring Canada’s research community remains globally competitive,” Romanado said. “With this funding, we are empowering Canadian researchers to tackle critical challenges in quantum science and build international partnerships, thereby reinforcing Canada’s leadership in the growing quantum industry.”

Dr. Mihassani, co-founder of the Shield Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at the University of Windsor, said she is grateful for the federal funding of quantum research.

“With the imminent rise of quantum computing and the rapid advancement of technology in our everyday lives, it is time to look into defences against quantum attacks,” Mirhassani said. “This funding and support of industry allows us to not only create customized solutions for the security of automobility and the Internet of Things, but also to train the professionals and experts in this emerging field.”

Mirhassani is working with industry partners at Ansys Canada Ltd., developers of engineering simulations software, and CMC Microsystems, a Canadian not-for-profit organization that accelerates research and innovation in advanced technologies. Ansys’s in-kind contributions make up the bulk of the $5 million research project.

Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2025-01-21/uwindsor-researchers-awarded-830000-quantum-projects