Andrew Wilson, NIST Quantum Physics Division Chief
NIST Chief of the Quantum Physics Division Andrew Wilson is a recipient of 2022’s Jacob Rabinow Applied Research Awards, one of the highest awards that can be given to one of NIST’s 1,600 technical and scientific employees. The award is named after researcher Jacob Rabinow, who received over 200 patents for his inventions in optical, mechanical, and electrical systems while working at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) the predecessor of NIST. Wilson was cited as being “honored for his dedicated, long-term leadership in quantum information processing through his research.” Wilson’s research is part of the Ion Storage Group at NIST, which focuses on quantum information experiments using entangled atomic ions.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.