Mission: Advancing Global Leadership in Quantum Materials and Technology
Quantum materials are pivotal for breakthroughs in sustainability, energy efficiency, and quantum and classical information processing. However, identifying viable materials from the vast pool of theoretically predicted compounds and deciphering their underlying microscopic physics remain formidable challenges. Addressing this "needle-in-a-haystack" problem requires a concerted effort by global leaders in the field. To this end, we leverage the complementary strengths of the Rice Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM) and the Max-Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials. Our goal is to establish a grassroots collaboration that fosters synergies, paving the way for future formalized partnerships, such as within the Max-Planck Center framework or larger-scale international funding initiatives.
Implementation Strategy
This partnership will be led by the Rice Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM) and the Max-Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials - Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Hamburg - Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart - Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle - Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden - Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden
The primary activities of Q-RaMP will include:
1. Q-RaMP working groups: two partners from Rice and two from MPIs will meet online regularly to exchange research ideas and work on joint experimental and theoretical efforts.
2. Visits between partner institutions: Rice and MPI PIs will visit partner institutions and introduce the Q-RaMP initiative and the groups’ research. The talks will be streamed online as part of the RCQM-MPG colloquium series on quantum materials.
3. Annual Quantum Materials Workshop: will serve as an incubator for strengthening existing collaborations and catalyzing future formalized interactions.
4. Junior Researcher Exchange Program: exchange visits for PhD and postdoctoral researchers, as well as a joint graduate student researcher program and joint postdoctoral fellowships.
5. Joint Tenure-Track Faculty Positions: joint searches for exceptional researchers to work as group leaders at MPI and transition into a Rice tenure track position.