Quantum computing, metabolomics focus of new CRCs

Two new Canada Research Chairs investigating critical emerging fields—quantum computing and metabolomics—have been appointed at UBC Science. The chairs are part of a $452 million investment through the Research Support Fund announced by the Government of Canada today.

“By supporting our world-class postsecondary institutions and their diverse teams of researchers, we’re fueling the innovations that drive progress and competitiveness," said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "This funding not only strengthens science and discoveries but also informs public policy, fosters equity, and ensures Canada remains at the forefront of global issues like health, the environment, and social justice.”

UBC chemist Dr. Tao Huan’s new chair will focus on metabolomics and exposomics, the study of the entire sets of small molecules in a given biological system, such as a cell, organ, whole organism or biofluid, along with interrelated environmental chemical exposures. 

In Computer Science, Dr. Daochen Wang will take up a new CRC in quantum computing, with a focus on identifying real-world problems that can be advantageously solved with quantum approaches, and understanding their limitations.

The UBC department of Mathematics also saw one CRC renewed: Dr. Mathav Murugan, an expert in probability theory, differential equations and geometry. Findings from Dr. Murugan’s research will improve our understanding of the interplay between the behaviour of random processes and the geometry of the space in which an object lives.

The three researchers join more than 45 Canada Research Chairs at UBC Science.

Metabolomics are particularly useful in the study of environment-gene interactions, identifying disease biomarkers, and drug discovery. The metabolome is a close counterpart to the genome, the transcriptome and the proteome. Together the four constitute the building blocks of systems biology. But unlike genes and proteins whose functions are subject to epigenetic regulation and post-translational modifications, respectively, metabolites serve as a direct functional readout of a current cellular state and therefore easier to correlate with phenotype. 

Quantum computing is an emerging field that allows quantum computers to solve certain types of problems much faster—and in entirely novel ways—compared to classical computation. The discipline blends computer science, physics and mathematics to take advantage of quantum mechanical effects, such as superposition and quantum interference.

The Canada Research Chairs program invests up to $311 million a year to attract and retain some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds. Chair holders span the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.