From January 31 to February 2, the 2021 Conference of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Major Research Plan “The Construction and Manipulation of the Second-Generation Quantum System” took place with the support of the Office of Research and the Department of Physics at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). The seminar was made available both online and offline.

Quantum Information Science (QIS) is an emerging field with the potential to cause revolutionary advances in various fields and many countries tending to focus on this research area. “The Construction and Manipulation of the Second-Generation Quantum System” by the NSFC, was established in 2020.

This research plan aims to develop quantum information science through the construction and manipulation of second-generation quantum systems that exhibit quantum behaviors such as entangled or superposition quantum states. The objectives are that it will promote interdisciplinary research in areas such as mathematics, materials science, chemistry, and so on.

Xincheng XIE, Vice President of the NSFC, gave an opening speech. Qikun XUE, SUSTech President, Xueming YANG, Director of the Chemical Science Division of the NSFC, Dapeng YU, Dean of the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (IQSE) at SUSTech, along with others served as the moderators.

171 experts from 47 institutions participated, included Qingguo MENG, Deputy Director of the Division of Mathematics and Science of the NSFC, Peigen NI, Director of the First Division of Physical Sciences of the NSFC, and Yusheng ZHAO, Acting Vice President of SUSTech. The seminar was presided over by Guoxuan DONG, Deputy Director of the Division of Mathematics and Physics of the NSFC.

Xincheng XIE pointed out that this research plan is forward-thinking, fundamental, and original. It is hoped that through the application of this research plan, it will further cultivate outstanding talents and solve major scientific problems in the field of quantum science.

President Qikun XUE noted that the plan aims to enable scholars who are fascinated and interested in such projects to apply for them. By doing so, they will get a more detailed understanding of these research programs and gain valuable knowledge from experts in their respective fields.

A total of 52 reports were presented on various aspects, where guests were invited to engage in open discussions with the experts.