REU site: quantum algorithms and optimization (QAO)

The National Science Foundation Division of Computing and Communication Foundations awarded the University of Tennessee $480,749 on October 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070) to operate a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site focused on quantum algorithms and optimization.

Undergraduate participants develop code implementing quantum algorithms, mathematically prove bounds on algorithm performance, and compare leading quantum algorithms to classical alternatives. Students work on interdisciplinary teams to create new algorithms addressing large-scale combinatorial optimization problems—such as routing and scheduling—or develop new optimization techniques to reduce the quantum resources required to run select quantum algorithms. Research activities include optimizing quantum circuit design through linear programming or combinatorics-inspired heuristics and developing new encoding schemes for translating classical mathematics and physics problems to quantum circuits. Participants learn fundamental quantum algorithms research techniques including running quantum algorithms on hardware, using machine learning and statistical methods to analyze experimental data, and engaging in professional development designed to prepare them for scientific careers. The site operates at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

Quantum algorithms have the potential to revolutionize how currently intractable problems are solved, however more research is required to realize their full potential. The goal of this research experience for undergraduates (REU) site is to encourage student participation in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary quantum computing research that focuses on solving large-scale optimization problems and new optimization techniques to make existing algorithms more efficient. Optimization problems are the focus of this research as they have real-world applications, such as routing and scheduling. Undergraduates who participate in this REU site gain critical research experience by developing code that implements quantum algorithms, mathematically proving bounds on algorithm performance, and comparing leading quantum algorithms to the best classical algorithms. Furthermore, the students participate in professional development opportunities that are designed to give them the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in scientific careers. The project's novelties are that students work on interdisciplinary teams to create new algorithms. The project's broader significance and importance is the training and development of an interdisciplinary quantum-aware science workforce. Participants perform quantum algorithms research as applied to solve large-scale combinatorial optimization problems or will develop new optimization techniques to reduce the quantum resources needed to run select quantum algorithms. Projects include optimizing quantum circuit design through linear programming or combinatorics-inspired heuristics and new encoding schemes for translating classical mathematics and physics problems to quantum circuits. Participants learn fundamental quantum algorithms research techniques such as how to run quantum algorithms on hardware, use machine learning and statistical methods to analyze data generated by the experiments, and provide theoretical or computational performance bounds using tools from probability theory and operator theory. The goals of the program are to develop the next generation interdisciplinary quantum computing workforce and develop participants? Research and scientific writing skills. The projects for this REU site are designed so that the students? Research will become more independent as the summer progresses. Pre- and post- program surveys are administered and the results are used to refine the REU site each year. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.