IIIS Dean Prof. Andrew Yao joined the 2nd Exploratory Round Table Conference (ERTC) on the topic of “Quantum Information Science” in Shanghai on November 2, 2011. Deputy Dean Prof. Amy Wang and CC Yao Professor Luming Duan joined the conference.

Prof. Yao gave a talk entitled “Quantum Networks and Complexity”, in which he introduced IIIS and the new center on quantum information science at Tsinghua University.

For the past 7 years, Prof. Yao has led the efforts in founding Institute for Theoretical Computer Science (ITCS) and Center for Quantum Information (CQI) and three university-level joint research centers, namely Tsinghua-MIT-CUHK Research Center for Theoretical Computer Science (CTCS), Tsinghua-Michigan Joint Center for Quantum Information (JCQI), and Tsinghua-Aarhus Center for the Theory of Interactive Computation.

Prof. Yao showed how quantum networks can serve as a versatile unifying theme for both natural physical systems as well as artificial computing systems in his talk. And CQI aspires to create a high-quality research center on quantum information on all aspects, in particular to perform the realization of quantum networks and quantum simulation. IIIS brings together computer scientists and quantum physicists to explore the world of information science.

ERTC provides a joint platform for scientists to discuss and evaluate newly emerging and rapidly evolving fields of research. It creates visions towards the establishments of topical areas at the leading edge of science. During the 3-day conference this year, scientists from both China and Germany shared their thoughts on quantum information.