How can quantum computing be used effectively in research software? Prof. Dr. Scherzinger leads the BMFTR-funded QC4ErUM project an the University of Passau. The project supports researchers in selecting suitable quantum algorithms and hardware for integration into existing research software.
Computer-aided data analysis, particularly through scalable and innovative research software, has long been of central importance to the ErUM research community focusing on research into the universe and matter. Despite major advances in quantum computing (QC), its potential for the ErUM community – particularly for research software – has so far remained largely untapped. This is especially notable because software engineering for research software and software engineering for quantum computing are both emerging fields, yet approaches that bring the two together remain largely unexplored.
Research software offers considerable potential for the application of QC, as it frequently addresses complex optimisation problems, for example in trace reconstruction or algorithmically related tasks such as resource-efficient experimental planning, as well as demanding analyses of highly correlated datasets.
The QC4ErUM project aims to bridge this gap by systematically supporting ErUM researchers in adapting existing research software to hybrid quantum-classical computing. The project will help researchers identify suitable quantum algorithms and hardware for integration into their software. In parallel, QC4ErUM is establishing a networking forum for quantum computing, through which the ErUM community will exchange experiences with use cases and stay informed about current research and technological developments in QC. A dedicated trend radar will continuously monitor the state of the art and help bring relevant innovations into the ErUM community.
In this way, QC4ErUM builds bridges between ErUM physics, quantum computing and software engineering, providing practical pathways for incorporating quantum computing into research software.
The project is a collaboration between Prof. Stefanie Scherzinger (University of Passau), Prof. Uta Störl (FernUniversität in Hagen) and Prof. Kerstin Borras (DESY, Hamburg).
| Principal Investigator(s) at the University | Prof. Dr. Stefanie Scherzinger (Lehrstuhl für Informatik mit Schwerpunkt Skalierbare Datenbanksysteme) |
|---|---|
| Project period | 01.11.2025 - 31.10.2028 |
| Source of funding |
BMFTR - Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt
|
| Projektnummer | 05D25WP1 |
