University of Waterloo to establish Dieter Schwarz Chair of Physics of Information and AI

A University of Waterloo sign is shown in Waterloo, Ont., Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn)

A financial gift from a German foundation will allow the University of Waterloo to introduce a new position examining the laws of nature and advances in quantum technology.

According to a news release from the university on Wednesday, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation has made its first investment at a Canadian university. The money will be used to establish the Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI at the University of Waterloo.

“The physics of information provides a bridge between quantum theory and advanced technologies, including quantum computing and communication,” the release said. “With the rise of artificial intelligence, the field has expanded to include machine learning and quantum algorithm design.”

The university said work in this area may help inspire new innovations in a wide variety of areas, including medicine, materials science and cybersecurity.

Achim Kempf, a professor of mathematic physics in the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named as the first Dieter Schwarz Chair. Previously, he spent 10 years as Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Information and is an associate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute. He is also an associate member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

“The physics of information is likely the key to understanding machine learning — and, vice versa, machine learning is likely to be the key to bringing quantum technology to maturity,” Kempf said. “That synergy holds the potential to dramatically change our way of life. It’s a privilege to lead this research and build a global team of experts in the field.”