UT physics professor wins quantum research grant

UT physics professor wins quantum research grant Categories: News Research UT physics professor wins quantum research grant Ruchi Patel, General News Reporter October 14, 2026 Ria Nam Associate Professor of Physics Jia Leo Li poses in his laboratory on Tuesday, Oct. 13. An associate professor of physics, was one of 21 scientists nationwide to receive $1.35 million over five years from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to pursue high-risk physics experiments, according to an Oct. 1 news release.  The professor, Jia Li, will study a system that pairs free electrons floating on the surface of liquid helium with one-atom thick two-dimensional materials. A spokesperson from the College of Natural Sciences wrote in a statement that Li’s research could impact future technologies.  “This research has the power to shape everything from advances in our technologies to how much energy our devices consume,” the spokesperson wrote. Advertisement Li said this new hybrid system will improve quantum research, or research into the smallest possible units of matter. “(The new system) is something that nobody has ever tried before,” Li said.  His work focuses on quantum mechanics, an essential foundation to quantum computation, which could help build faster, more capable computers in the future. The system is effective, Li said, because electrons on liquid helium can hold information for a long time. “We’re close to knocking on the door of the next generation of computation,” Li said.  Pablo Laguna, chair of the physics department, wrote in a statement the award reflects the growing strength of quantum physics research at UT. “This is a tremendous achievement for Leo and a moment of celebration for our entire department,” Laguna wrote. Li said this was his third attempt at the award. The idea he submitted that ultimately received an award was one that he had always considered too risky.  Theodore Hodapp, program director for the foundation’s Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, said in the news release that the program gives scientists more flexible support than federal grants usually can.  “That freedom lets them take on risky, high-reward experiments and follow ideas when research results lead them down new pathways,” Hodapp said in the news release.  Li said he hopes to see undergraduate students join the project. “I fully anticipate that at some point an undergrad student will approach me and say, ‘Let’s try to do this together,’” Li said. “I’m waiting for that moment.”  0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story More to Discover More in News College of Fine Arts adds 3 performing arts minors Dell Medical School partners with federal program to standardize clinical trials Moody College of Communication adds option to fulfill language, communication, culture requirement Student-led turtle pond research published in scientific journal, begins new investigation First vice provost for arts discusses ‘power of art,’ new position Yani Ayala Valentin speaks on consolidation More in Research UT signs deal with academic publisher for free publishing, article access  Industry experts discuss AI traffic on publishing websites, effects All-women UT-student teams continue to develop technology from NASA competition winnings UT partners with biomanufacturing company to produce collagen without animal byproducts UT professors receive Fulbright Scholar Award Professor turns experience with dementia into research, mentorship for future healthcare providers