Quantum computing has captured the public’s attention due to its incredible theoretical applications, but the intensely complicated underlying physics make it difficult for even computing experts in other fields to understand. Computing researchers in other disciplines, however, have valuable knowledge to aid in the development of quantum computers. “To increase momentum in quantum system progress, we must lower the barrier to entry”, says Kaitlin N. Smith, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University. “Scientists shouldn’t be required to have an expert-level understanding of quantum mechanics to contribute their skill set to quantum computing”. Though quantum computers operate very differently from classical computers, some of the approaches used in classical […]

In 2018, CCC recognized the need for more dialogues between quantum computing experts and experts in other fields of computer science, such as compiler design, design automation, computer architecture, and programming languages. In May of 2018, the CCC held a workshop with the goal of bridging the gap between quantum computing and classical computing, and released a report in November. This report identified a number of research challenges facing the community that demand increased attention, such as   Practical quantum computing algorithms that can be deployed on intermediate-scale hardware to continue motivating investments in quantum computing research. Research on scalability and modular design of quantum systems as they are able […]

The following originally appeared on the CRA Bulletin, written by Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications    The Computing Research Association (CRA) is excited to announce the naming of Mary Lou Maher, PhD to the position of Director of Research Community Initiatives. An accomplished researcher with leadership experience that spans the settings of universities, large research projects, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr. Maher joins CRA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she most recently served as a professor in the Department of Software and Information Systems and previously served as the Department Chair.  In her new role, Dr. Maher will assume responsibility as the director of […]

Thank you to everyone who has nominated a colleague or self-nominated themselves for the opportunity to be a CCC Council member for the three-year term beginning July 1, 2024 and concluding June 30, 2027. Read more here. As a reminder, nominations are open through 11:59pm EST on Friday, February 2, 2024.  To nominate someone, please email ccc-nominations@cra.org the following information: Name, affiliation, and email address of the nominee. Areas of research expertise. Previous significant service to the research community and other relevant experience, with years it occurred (no more than *five* items). A curriculum vitae of the nominee (link to webpage is fine). A few sentences about why this candidate […]

  On Tuesday, the NSF announced the Responsible Design, Development, & Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDot) program, which aims to ensure both ethical and legal considerations from community and societal standpoints are established in the technology pipeline, from inception to deployment. This $16 million program will be a collaborative effort between the NSF and five philanthropic partners: the Ford Foundation, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Siegel Family Endowment, and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation.   Below is more information from the program’s public announcement:   Who Can Submit Proposals: Multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams that demonstrate the principles, methodologies, and impacts associated with responsible design, development and […]

The 2024 AAAS Meeting will take place February 15th – 17th in Denver, Colorado. This conference, held annually since AAAS was established in 1848, is dedicated to advancing science and technology across all disciplines and helps bridge the gap between researchers and the public via media coverage of cutting-edge research.   This year, the Computing Community Consortium will sponsor three scientific sessions on various topics in computing: Generative AI in Science: Promises and Pitfalls  Moderator: Matthew Turk (Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago and CCC Council member) Panelists: Rebecca Willett (University of Chicago), Markus Buehler (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Duncan Watson-Parris (University of California San Diego) Large Language Models: Helpful […]