Each scientist's journey into quantum physics began differently, but all were driven by a sense of wonder and possibility. For David Hsieh, it was an early fascination with crystals during grad school. Despite their simple appearance, he realized that crystals are incredibly complex systems, where countless electrons interact in ways that defy even our most powerful computational models. What captivated him most was the idea that studying these materials could advance our understanding of fundamental physics while also potentially lead to transformative technologies within the span of a career. Guang Bian has always been curious about the invisible world of the very small. His passion for quantum mechanics and its role in governing particle behavior has led him to explore how quantum effects in materials could revolutionize computing and electronics — from faster chips to energy-efficient magnetic memory. Vlad Pribiag discovered his love for quantum condensed matter during his postdoc. He was drawn in by the synergy of theoretical and applied science, and, as he puts it, “the really interesting people” working in the field didn’t hurt either.
Diving into their quantum worlds
Each investigator is tackling a different facet of the quantum puzzle:
Pribiag is engineering artificial quantum matter — materials whose properties can be tuned in real time using semiconductor and superconductor-based devices. His vision? Create adaptable materials that not only reveal new quantum phenomena but may also lay the foundation for reconfigurable quantum computing hardware, or for artificial intelligence applications.
Bian focuses on the design and synthesis of quantum materials that don’t occur in nature. One major goal is to create two-dimensional Weyl semimetals — a spin-polarized cousin of graphene. By inventing new “atomic LEGO pieces,” Bian is building materials where electrons move as if they’re massless in a two-dimensional space, potentially powering the next generation of ultra-efficient electronics and quantum devices.
Hsieh is exploring a new field of dynamically driven materials. His team is developing tools to zap crystals with intense rapidly changing electric fields and study how electrons respond in real time. The result could be materials with entirely new properties — ones we can control on-demand with light. This line of inquiry could lead to breakthroughs in low-power electronics, optical computing, and beyond.
The power of flexible funding
These mid-career physicists noted that the Initiative isn’t just funding research — it’s transforming how they approach it. Four key benefits stood out in our conversation:
1. Freedom to take big risks
The initiative encourages ambitious, long-term projects that might not fly within traditional grant structures.
Hsieh shared how the funding allowed him to pivot toward exploring a novel approach for using intense light to reshape matter — an idea he wouldn’t have dared to pursue while on the tenure track.
Pribiag echoed this, saying the support lets him “lean into” complex, high-reward projects.
2. Stability and flexibility
A five-year funding window provides rare continuity in a field often marked by short-term grants from federal agencies. That stability is especially valuable for supporting PhD students and building lasting research infrastructure. All three scientists expressed excitement about the funding enabling them to train the next generation of physicists. Bian highlighted how a $160,000 instrumentation grant in the second year of his funding allowed him to upgrade his lab with a probe station for testing air-sensitive materials — crucial for his experiments.
3. Catalyst for innovation
With fewer constraints, these researchers are pushing into bold new territory. Whether it's Hsieh's light-driven materials, Bian’s quantum materials, namely new “LEGO” building blocks at atomic scale, or Pribiag’s tunable matter, the initiative is enabling discoveries that could redefine the future of quantum technology.
4. Building community
Beyond the lab, the initiative fosters connections. Annual gatherings give investigators a space to share ideas, compare notes on managing research teams, and spark unexpected collaborations. Bian spoke enthusiastically about the new partnerships forming through these events — visits, talks, and exchanges that are already enriching him and his team.
Looking ahead: The future of quantum science
So, where is quantum science headed? The three investigators are optimistic — and excited. Pribiag sees a bright future in materials innovation, particularly in enhancing interfaces and compositions critical for quantum information technologies. Bian believes we’re nearing a tipping point for practical quantum computers and sensors. As the pace accelerates, he expects rapid advancements across computing, information, and sensing. Hsieh, meanwhile, envisions the initial high-impact to be on academic research — such as new sensors and simulations to study complex systems. Though broader consumer applications might be years off, the ripple effects of today’s research are already starting to reshape the landscape.
What unites these researchers isn’t just their quantum expertise — it’s their relentless curiosity and commitment to discovery. They are exploring questions that might otherwise go unanswered and uncovering new paths in one of the most exciting frontiers of science.
With their work, the quantum future looks not just possible — but inevitable.