Upcoming Events
October 23, 2026 | INQUIRE Seminar
Dominik Bucher, Technical University of Munich
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (CT)
Location: Ryan Hall, 4003 | 2190 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208 (map | directions)
Details: The Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE) is pleased to welcome Professor Dominik Bucher from the Technical University of Munich.
Title: Optically addressable spins: From defects in diamond to biochemical systems
Abstract: Optically addressable spins have emerged as one of the key platforms for quantum technologies. This talk will introduce the principles and applications of spin-based quantum sensing, starting with the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond and its use for nuclear magnetic resonance at the nano- and microscale [1]. I will then discuss recent developments that extend these concepts into biochemical systems, focusing on optically addressable spins in proteins [2] and DNA [3], and explore their potential for future quantum technologies and the life sciences.
[1] K. D. Briegel et al. Optical Widefield Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy. Nature Comm, 16, 1281 doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55003-5 (2025)
[2] Meng, K., Nie, L., Berger, J. et al. Optically detected and radio wave-controlled spin chemistry in flavoproteins. Nat Biotechnol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-026-03158-5
[3] K. Meng, C. Einholz, L. Krueger, M. Rosenow, D. B. Bucher°. Optically addressable and programmable spins in DNA. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.14.751464 (2026)
About Prof. Bucher: Dominik Bucher uses defects in diamond, known as NV centers, as quantum sensors for NMR spectroscopy in the nano- to micro-scale range. His research group works at the unique intersection of quantum sensing and chemistry, utilizing interdisciplinary methods from applied quantum physics, materials science, and biophysics. The goal of the research is to apply NMR spectroscopy at the smallest length scales, from nanoscience and surfaces to microfluidics and single-cell biology.
Prof. Bucher studied Chemistry at TUM, where he earned his M.Sc. degree in 2010. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Biophysics at LMU, where he utilized ultrafast spectroscopy to study UV-induced damage processes in DNA. With a growing interest in potential applications of quantum technology in Chemistry, he moved to Ronald Walsworth's group at Harvard for his postdoctoral work. In the spring of 2019, he started his independent career as a junior research group leader at TUM. In 2022, he was appointed as a Rudolf Mößbauer Professor.
Hosted by Michael Wasielewski.
October 28, 2026 | INQUIRE Seminar
Dana Z. Anderson, Infleqtion
Time: 1:15pm - 3:15pm (CT)
Location: Jacobs Center, 1205 | 2001 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208 (map | directions)
Details: The Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE) is pleased to welcome Dr. Dana Z. Anderson of Infleqtion.
About the event:
The afternoon will begin with welcome remarks from President Mung Chiang. Following this will be a panel discussion, “What Makes Quantum Technology Ready for Use?” featuring Dana Anderson, Prem Kumar, and Allison Lechnir of Hyde Park Venture Partners, moderated by Lisa Dhar, Associate VP of INVO.
Following the panel, Dr. Anderson will present his talk, “From BEC to NYSE: 20 Years of Quantum Technology”, hosted by Prem Kumar. Following this will be an open Q&A moderated by Prof. Mahdi Hosseini.
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1:15pm |
Welcome & Announcements |
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1:25pm |
What Makes Quantum Technology Ready for Use? Moderator: Panel: |
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2:10pm |
From BEC to the NYSE: 20 Years of Quantum Technology |
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3:00pm |
Audience Q&A Moderator: |
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3:15pm |
Adjourn |
About Dr. Anderson:
Dr. Dana Z. Anderson is the founder and Chief Science Officer of Infleqtion, where he guides the company’s scientific vision and quantum technology strategy across quantum computing, sensing, and precision timing.
An internationally recognized pioneer in cold- and ultracold-atom science, he is also a JILA Fellow and Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Over more than four decades, Anderson has advanced scientific discovery and technology through contributions ranging from early work on the LIGO gravitational-wave project to breakthroughs in optical neural networks, ultracold-atom systems, quantum sensing, and precision measurement. His work has helped translate fundamental advances in atomic physics into technologies with practical and commercial applications.
Anderson is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of both Optica and the American Physical Society. He has authored more than 120 scientific publications, holds numerous patents in quantum technology, and has received the Optica R. W. Wood Prize, the Willis E. Lamb Award, and other honors. He earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Arizona after completing his undergraduate studies at Cornell University.
October 28, 2026 | INQUIRE
N'Tangled Q&A w/ NVision
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm (CT)
Location: Tech J Wing Atrium (J205)
We are excited to welcome Ilai Schartz, Chief Technology Officer, NVision.
About NVision:
NVision is pioneering a new generation of quantum systems designed to bring quantum computing and quantum sensing out of the lab and into the real world, transforming how diseases are understood, detected, and treated. We engineer and control the quantum properties of organic molecules, integrating molecular design and quantum hardware into scalable products. At NVision, we see these technologies converging into a new “compute and validate” paradigm, where quantum systems are used both to design therapies and to measure their biological impact.
Agenda Highlights:
- N’Troduction – N’Tangled Leadership
- Ryan Young + Kate Smith
- Company Presentation – NVision
- Ilai Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer, NVision
- Q&A w/ NVision
- Meet & Greet
November 11-13, 2026 | Quantum Computer Cybersecurity Symposium
4th Annual Quantum Computer Cybersecurity Symposium
Location: Guild Lounge in Scott Hall | 601 University Place, Evanston, IL 60208 (map | directions)
Organizer: Jakub Szefer, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Details: QCCS is an annual event co-organized by Prof. Jakub Szefer and (since 2025) the Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE) at Northwestern University.
Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm (CT)