Anna Grassellino Appointed to DOE Office of Science Advisory Committee

Why It Matters

Her appointment places a leading quantum expert at the helm of DOE’s advisory process, accelerating coordinated action toward fault‑tolerant quantum computing—a strategic priority for U.S. competitiveness. It also strengthens the link between national labs and the broader quantum ecosystem, potentially speeding commercialization and scientific breakthroughs.

Key Takeaways

• Grassellino appointed to DOE SCAC, chairs quantum subcommittee
• SCAC advises DOE on scientific priorities, including quantum roadmap
• Goal: error‑corrected quantum computers by 2028
• Subcommittee will coordinate labs, industry, and agencies for quantum ecosystem
• Fermilab’s SQMS Center leads national quantum materials research

Pulse Analysis

The Department of Energy’s Office of Science Advisory Committee (SCAC) serves as the nation’s premier forum for independent scientific counsel, shaping research agendas that span particle physics to emerging technologies. By adding Anna Grassellino—renowned for her breakthroughs in superconducting materials—to its ranks, SCAC gains a practitioner who bridges large‑scale accelerator science and quantum information. Her dual role as chair of the quantum subcommittee signals a heightened focus on translating laboratory advances into a coherent national strategy.

DOE’s 2028 ambition to field error‑corrected quantum computers hinges on coordinated investments across hardware, software, and talent pipelines. The quantum subcommittee, under Grassellino’s leadership, will assess the current state of quantum information science, identify critical technology gaps, and recommend cross‑agency initiatives. By leveraging the unique capabilities of national labs, private‑sector innovation, and other federal resources, the subcommittee aims to streamline funding, avoid duplication, and accelerate the development of scalable qubit architectures and fault‑tolerance protocols.

For Fermilab, the appointment amplifies the strategic relevance of its Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, one of five DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. SQMS’s collaborations with more than 40 institutions position it as a hub for multiqubit processor development and quantum sensor research. Grassellino’s influence on SCAC could channel additional support to these efforts, fostering a virtuous cycle where national policy and laboratory execution reinforce each other, ultimately propelling the United States toward leadership in the quantum era.