Quantum Day 2026

Join George Mason for World Quantum Day 2026, a dynamic day of ideas, discovery, and connection around the future of quantum technology. Hosted by George Mason's Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) the event highlights the coming second quantum technological revolution through technical seminars, poster presentations, career and entrepreneurship discussions, and opportunities to learn about quantum education.

Showcase your research at the 2026 International Quantum Day at Mason. We invite undergraduate and graduate students to present posters highlighting work in quantum science, engineering, and related fields. This is an opportunity to engage with leading researchers, industry experts, and peers while sharing your work with a broader audience.

GUEST AND INDUSTRY PARTNER SIGN UP

STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATION SIGN UP

AGENDA

8:30 - 9 a.m.
Coffee and Continental Breakfast. 

9 - 9:20 a.m.
Welcome to World Quantum Day
Cody W. Edwards, Dean, College of Science, George Mason University
Patrick Vora, Director, Quantum Science and Engineering Center, George Mason University 

9:20 - 9:45 a.m.
Keynote 1: Quantum Computing and Algorithms
Bruno Avritzer, Quantum Scientist, Leidos 

9:45 - 10:20 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Weiwen Jiang, Associate Director, QSEC, George Mason University
Bruno Avritzer, Leidos
Fei Li, Associate Director, QSEC, George Mason University
Liz Ruetsch, TreQ, Board of Advisors 

10:20 - 10:30 a.m.
Break. 

10:30 - 11:10 a.m.
Keynote 2: Quantum Materials, Devices, and Sensing
Elizabeth Iwasawa, Quantum Scientist, Leidos 

11:10 - 11:50 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Sean Oliver, Senior Physicist, MITRE
Karen Sauer, Professor of Physics, George Mason University
Bogdan Neculaes, Deputy Chief Engineer, Boeing
Ceferino Obcemea, Program Director at NIH/NCI 

1 - 1:25 p.m.
Keynote 3: Quantum Education, Workforce, and Careers
Jordan Kenyon, Quantum Scientist, Booz Allen Hamilton 

1:25 - 1:50 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Nancy Holincheck, Associate Director, QSEC, George Mason University 
Jessica Rosenberg, Director of Education, QSEC, George Mason University
Leonard Woody, Senior Director, IonQ
Jordan Kenyon, Quantum Scientist, Booz Allen Hamilton 

1:50 - 2:30 p.m.
Break and Student Posters. 

2:30 - 2:50 p.m.
Keynote 4: Economic Development and Quantum Industry
George Thomas, President & CEO, Connected DMV 

2:50 - 3:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Moderator: George Thomas, President & CEO, Connected DMV
Andre Marshall, VP Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, George Mason University
Terry Clower, Director, Center for Regional Analysis, George Mason University
Colleen Kardasz, Director, Fairfax City Economic Development
Anna Nissinen, Senior VP, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
The Honorable Gibson Armstrong, Head of Enterprise Growth, TreQ 

3:30 - 5 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Reception.