March 31, 2026 -- Faculty and research leaders from the State University of New York at Stony Brook recently joined national conversations in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate the growing role of quantum technologies in shaping national security, economic competitiveness and next-generation computing. Their engagement comes at a pivotal moment for federal and state investment in quantum research, workforce development and innovation infrastructure.

In Washington, Stony Brook researchers participated in a Capitol Hill briefing focused on emerging quantum technologies and the need for sustained federal support. The discussion centered on quantum computing, secure quantum communication, advanced sensing and networking, as lawmakers consider the future of the National Quantum Initiative. Faculty emphasized the role of research universities in driving discovery, building public-private partnerships and preparing a highly skilled workforce capable of sustaining U.S. competitiveness.

Recent federal momentum around quantum policy further reinforces these priorities. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Chuck Schumer and Marsha Blackburn, and representatives Laura Gillen and Jay Obernolte have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. leadership in quantum science and technology by expanding research funding, accelerating commercialization pathways, and supporting workforce development. The bill emphasizes coordination across federal agencies, investment in regional innovation ecosystems and stronger partnerships between universities, national laboratories and industry to ensure that breakthroughs in quantum research translate into deployable technologies.

Stony Brook University has expressed strong support for the legislation, noting its alignment with the university’s integrated approach to quantum research, innovation and workforce development. University leaders emphasized that sustained federal commitment will be critical to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in quantum science, particularly as the field moves from foundational research toward real-world deployment. By endorsing the bill, Stony Brook continues to play an active role not only in advancing quantum discovery but also in shaping the national policy framework needed to support its long-term impact.

Quantum information science is moving steadily from laboratory research toward real-world deployment. University leaders underscored that continued federal investment in shared facilities, graduate training and cross-institutional collaboration will determine how quickly the United States can translate foundational breakthroughs into scalable technologies.

These national conversations align directly with Stony Brook’s recent launch of its new Quantum Institute, a university-wide initiative designed to expand interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate research impact. The Institute brings together physicists, engineers, computer scientists and applied mathematicians to advance quantum computing, networking, materials and sensing.

“Quantum science is transforming computing, communication and national security, and leadership in this field will shape the next generation of technological and economic competitiveness,” said Mónica Bugallo, interim vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook. “Continued investment in regional quantum innovation ecosystems will help bring together universities, national laboratories, industry and the workforce of the future to ensure that advances in this critical technological field translate into real benefits for society.”

“Stony Brook is well positioned to facilitate quantum science workforce development throughout the STEM pipeline, from K-12 education to undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels,” shared Angela Kelly, professor of physics and science education. “We plan to expand our outreach initiatives and curricular programming to promote quantum science career preparation and aspiration formation throughout the academic continuum.”  

Under the leadership of Eden Figueroa, the Quantum Institute strengthens Stony Brook’s longstanding partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory and builds on years of federally funded research in quantum networking and photonics. The Institute serves as a central hub for coordinating research activity, attracting top faculty and students and fostering industry collaboration.

A major component of this effort is the development of quantum networking capabilities that connect laboratories, institutions and industry partners. These networks are essential for testing secure communication systems and distributed quantum computing architectures, both of which are critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

Stony Brook’s leadership in quantum science was also highlighted in New York State’s policy agenda. In her State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $300 million investment to establish a Quantum Research and Innovation Hub anchored at Stony Brook. The initiative positions New York as a national center for quantum research, commercialization and workforce training.

The state investment is designed to accelerate technology transfer, attract industry partners and create high-skill jobs across the region. By aligning academic research with economic development strategy, the Hub strengthens Long Island’s role in the emerging quantum economy while reinforcing New York’s broader innovation priorities.

Together, the federal advocacy efforts in Washington and the state-level investment strategy in Albany reflect a coordinated approach to quantum leadership. Stony Brook’s researchers are not only advancing the science of quantum systems but also helping shape the policy frameworks that will guide the field’s growth.

University leaders note that quantum research requires long-term commitment. Breakthroughs in quantum computing and networking depend on sustained funding, specialized infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration. By launching the Quantum Institute and engaging directly with policymakers, Stony Brook is working to ensure that these conditions are met.

As quantum technologies mature, their applications are expected to influence cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, financial modeling, materials discovery and next-generation communications. Stony Brook’s integrated research model, combined with strong federal partnerships and substantial state investment, positions the university at the forefront of this transformation.

Through coordinated action in Washington and New York State, Stony Brook is reinforcing its role as a national leader in quantum science and ensuring that its research enterprise contributes directly to technological advancement, economic growth and workforce development in the years ahead.