By Janet Faakye & Kayla Quinnies
At the end of March, we had the opportunity to host the SandboxAQ Scholarship Virtual Conference, a two-day gathering of 13 emerging researchers from universities around the globe, doing work with a significant real-world impact at the intersection of AI and quantum science.
What stood out most wasn’t only the technical depth of their work (although that was quite impressive). Their curiosity and effort to communicate complex ideas in ways that could be understood and built upon resonated at this conference. We made an effort to foster a community spirit for science communication and it was special to watch that come to life.
The SandboxAQ Scholarship Program was designed with the idea in mind that great science doesn’t happen in isolation, rather it grows through collaboration, mentorship, and communication. The recent conference brought this to life; scholars didn’t just present their work, they engaged with each other and SandboxAQ experts, asked questions, and explored how their research connects to broader challenges in science and industry.
Across the conference, we saw a wide range of topics, including: AI-accelerated catalyst discovery for sustainable chemistry, quantum sensing and navigation, AI safety and cybersecurity, and biomedical applications of AI. What connected these areas was a shared goal of using advanced technologies to solve real-world problems.
One significant aspect of the conference was the emphasis on science communication. Scholars participated in research talks and science showcase posters to practice telling their story behind the science helping to create shared momentum. The scholars connected with peers across disciplines, SandboxAQ scientists and engineers, and a broader community of supporters.
As AI and quantum technologies continue to evolve, the need for thoughtful, collaborative, and communicative scientists has never been greater. The SandboxAQ Scholarship Program is one way we are investing in that future, not just by supporting research, but by building a community around it. We’re so excited to see where these scholars go next, and how their work will shape the future.
To all of our scholars, judges, and attendees thank you for being part of this experience and for helping make the conference such a success. Click here to read more about the cohort’s research.
