Quantum Connection

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 5PM – 9PM

 

Quantum Connection
The Past, Present and Future of Quantum

 

Join us for a remarkable evening exploring the ideas, people and discoveries that helped shape quantum information science and the possibilities still ahead.

In 1981, MIT Endicott House hosted the landmark Physics of Computation Conference, bringing together an extraordinary group of scientists and thinkers to explore the relationship between physics, information and computation. The conversations surrounding that gathering helped shape an emerging way of thinking about information through the laws of physics and contributed to the foundation of what would become quantum information science.

More than four decades later, Quantum Connection: The Past, Present and Future of Quantum brings the conversation back to Endicott House, connecting the pioneers and ideas of that remarkable period with the scientists and leaders shaping quantum today — and tomorrow.

That future is taking shape at MIT in a significant new way. The Institute recently announced plans for the Quantum Systems Laboratory (QSL), a new shared-use facility designed to accelerate the development of next-generation quantum technologies and strengthen Massachusetts and the nation as a hub for quantum innovation. Located in MIT’s Building 39, QSL will become the physical home of the MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT) and bring together researchers from MIT, government, academia and industry to advance quantum science from fundamental research toward real-world applications.

The evening will also recognize Charles H. Bennett, a participant in the 1981 conference, following his receipt of the 2025 ACM A.M. Turing Award for his foundational contributions to quantum information science.

 

Featured Conversation

Moderator

Ian A. Waitz
Vice President for Research, MIT

Ian Waitz is MIT’s Vice President for Research and the Institute’s senior research officer, overseeing MIT’s research enterprise and helping shape its strategic research direction. He also provides leadership for the MIT Quantum Initiative, an Institute-wide effort bringing together researchers across disciplines to accelerate advances in quantum science and engineering.

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Panelists

Charles H. Bennett
IBM Fellow, IBM Research | 2025 ACM A.M. Turing Award Recipient

One of the founders of quantum information science, Charles Bennett has spent more than five decades exploring the relationship between physics and information. His pioneering work includes reversible computation, quantum cryptography and quantum teleportation. Bennett participated in the original 1981 Physics of Computation Conference at Endicott House and, together with Gilles Brassard, received the 2025 ACM A.M. Turing Award for foundational contributions that helped ignite and shape the quantum information revolution.

 

 

 

 

Danna Freedman
Frederick George Keyes Professor of Chemistry and Faculty Director, MIT Quantum Initiative

Danna Freedman is a leading scientist working at the intersection of chemistry, physics and quantum information science. Her research uses synthetic chemistry to design molecules and materials with quantum properties, creating new possibilities for quantum sensing, communication and information technologies. As Faculty Director of the MIT Quantum Initiative, she helps lead MIT’s Institute-wide effort to advance quantum science and translate fundamental discoveries into real-world impact.

 

 

 

Aram W. Harrow
Professor of Physics, MIT

Aram Harrow is a theoretical physicist whose research focuses on quantum information, quantum computing and the capabilities of quantum systems. He is particularly known for co-developing the influential HHL quantum algorithm and for work spanning quantum algorithms, information theory and computational complexity. Harrow also serves as MIT’s quantum lead for the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab’s quantum research efforts.

 

 

 

Paola Cappellaro
Ford Professor of Engineering and Professor of Nuclear Science & Engineering and Physics, MIT

Paola Cappellaro is a leader in quantum engineering whose research explores quantum sensing, simulation and information processing. She leads MIT’s Quantum Engineering Group, where her work includes developing techniques to control quantum systems and using defects in diamond as extraordinarily sensitive quantum sensors. Her research bridges fundamental quantum science with technologies that could enable new approaches to sensing, computation and precision measurement.

 

 

 

Jeannette “Jamie” Garcia
Director, Strategic Growth & Quantum Partnerships, IBM Research

Jamie Garcia leads strategic growth and quantum partnerships for IBM Research, working at the intersection of scientific discovery, industry collaboration and emerging quantum technologies. A chemist by training, she helps build partnerships that move quantum computing from fundamental research toward meaningful applications, bringing an industry perspective to how quantum technologies are developing and where they may have their greatest impact.

 

 

 

 

An Evening Connecting Quantum’s Past to Its Future

Guests will enjoy a reception, dinner and a dynamic conversation among pioneers and current leaders in quantum science — in the setting where an important chapter of this extraordinary story unfolded more than four decades ago.

Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

 

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