Trainees will participate in internships lasting between two to four months, either in Canada or abroad. These internships aim to provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing participants to apply their academic learning in practical settings. By engaging in these hands-on opportunities, trainees will not only deepen their understanding of their field of study but also enhance their research capabilities. Additionally, they will develop essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are critical for success in any professional environment. Beyond skill-building, these internships offer the chance to grow a robust professional network, fostering connections with industry leaders, academics, and peers from diverse backgrounds.
QuantM-MALL will provide a comprehensive educational framework through three multidisciplinary courses designed to equip Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) with a robust understanding of Quantum Materials (QMs). These courses will cover a broad spectrum of topics, starting with foundational concepts to ensure a solid grasp of the principles underpinning QMs, followed by advanced methods of QM synthesis and innovative techniques for creating and manipulating these materials for specific applications. The curriculum will delve into state-of-the-art characterization methods, enabling participants to analyze and interpret QM properties accurately, while also addressing material processing techniques essential for integrating QMs into various technological applications. Practical insights into real-world uses will highlight the transformative potential of QMs in areas such as electronics, energy, and healthcare. Additionally, the program will examine the broader economic implications of QM research and commercialization, preparing HQP to navigate the complexities of the market.
Keeping HQP up to date on QMs research and technology is a key part of the QuantM-MALL educational paradigm. 14 seminars are planned. uOttawa and our partners will each host seven one-hour lectures. Global QMs leaders will offer seminars and interact with HQP. Speakers will be from academia and industry. These seminars will allow HQP to address current issues, exchange ideas, and share experiences with renowned external researchers. Our HQP can obtain inspiration, reassurance, help on research challenges, and grow their professional network at the seminars. We will also engage with other organizations and firms working in QMs-related fields to give HQP free access to relevant seminars and information to further the learning experience.
HQP with an interest in entrepreneurship will be supported to attend a 5-day intensive summer program at uOttawa to learn and practice team management, ideation principles and problem discovery, customer discovery and validation, finance and accounting, legal issues and incorporation, business modelling, and other topics. Trainees will be able to network with local business owners and gain exposure to resource providers who can aid them in their endeavors.
Summer School Challenge is a two-week competition and an opportunity for trainees to team up (6 per group). Each group of students will submit a proposal to investigate a contemporary topic/case study of the QMs ecosystems outside the focus of their MSc or PhD thesis research, which will be evaluated by the Management and Education Committee. The teams must present a holistic overview of the topic, including scientific principles, engineering, applications, problems and mitigation measures, and economic and market analysis. Our goal is to encourage and motivate community building among trainees of the partnering institutions, improve trainees' knowledge of QMs, and foster teamwork, communication, and presentation skills, as well as respect and appreciation for diverse individuals and their perspectives.
To promote trainee knowledge mobilization and enrich a sense of community, each trainee will present a "Quantum Fun" motivational lecture at K12 schools, community public venues (e.g., local library), and to 4th year university students from partnering and other Canadian universities in the hopes of igniting further community interest in the topic and planting the QMs seed in future generations of university students. QuantM-MALL will partner with the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Program, which promotes First Nation, MeĢtis, and Inuit students to participate in research.
