New agreement offers cross-institutional quantum study opportunities at Aalto University, University of Helsinki

The updated QuantEd cross-institutional studies agreement between Aalto University and the University of Helsinki allows students of selected degree programmes to sign-up for quantum-related courses organized by the other institution. The aim of the agreement is to broaden the selection of quantum-related studies available to students and enhance student mobility between the two institutions.

Aalto University and the University of Helsinki have unveiled the new cross-institutional studies agreement on Quantum Science and Technology studies (QuantEd). The original agreement was first signed in September 2021, and the new, rebranded QuantEd agreement expands and updates the course offerings.

The QuantEd agreement gives students of selected degree programmes the ability to sign-up for quantum-related courses organized by the other institution. At Aalto University, the agreement applies to students enrolled in four Master’s programmes and three doctoral programmes. At the University of Helsinki, it covers students across all Master’s and doctoral programmes within the Faculty of Science, as well as those in two Bachelor’s programmes.

The updated agreement permits the above-mentioned students to access a comprehensive selection of quantum-related courses in both the institutions. At Aalto University, the studies span from quantum circuits to quantum many-body physics, while at the University of Helsinki, the offered studies cover topics from open quantum systems to quantum field theory.

Outi Lassi, specialist of cross-institutional studies at the University of Helsinki, says that by participating in cross-institutional studies, students can benefit from the diverse course offerings at both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. They can choose interesting quantum-related studies from the other institution that are not available in their own university.

Kimmo Tuominen, professor in theoretical particle physics at the University of Helsinki, acts as the operational lead of the EduQ working group of InstituteQ and has led the preparation of the updated agreement. He says that the agreement allows students to broaden their knowledge base, and adds that, thanks to the collaboration between the universities, many Kumpula-based students find thesis projects in Aalto University research groups.

Jukka Pekola, professor in quantum nanophysics at Aalto University and acting director of InstituteQ, says that Quantum Science and Technology are rapidly growing areas and there is a dire need to educate experts for the needs of society. Since Aalto University and the University of Helsinki have complementary profiles in research and education, the QuantEd agreement provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn more diverse skills in Quantum Science and Technology.

More information about the agreement as well as the lists of available courses and instructions for applying for a cross-institutional study right can be found on the InstituteQ webpage.