White House Creates New Office to Liaise with Federal Agencies on Federal Research and Development Infrastructure

The White House Office of Science and technology Policy (OSTP) recently announced the creation of the National Quantum Coordination Office. This office was developed under a directive in the National Quantum Initiative Act that President Trump recently signed into law.

Among other responsibilities, the office is tasked with working with federal agencies to develop and maintain quantum programs, enabling access and use of research and development (R&D) infrastructure, and supporting the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (QIS). Dr. Jake Taylor, Assistant Director for QIS will serves as the National Quantum Coordination Office’s interim director.

“There’s no better time and place to be engaging in quantum R&D than right now in the United States. Our Nation is on the verge of incredible breakthroughs in this emerging technology, and thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Congress, America’s quantum scientists and researchers are well positioned to lead the world. We look forward to the continued implementation of the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Act to secure American leadership in quantum for generations to come,” said Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Along with the QIS activity mandated under the National Quantum Initiative Act, OSTP established the NSTC Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science. This subcommittee is co-chaired by the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Security Agency, and is tasked with advising on the benefits of and challenges to economic growth and enhanced national security through quantum R&D.