KINGSTON, R.I. – April 7, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Physics’ will host its fifth annual World Quantum Day event on Friday, April 10, on the Kingston Campus. The free event—open to both the public and the URI community—is part of an annual worldwide celebration of quantum science and technology, and its increasing impact on research, innovation, industry and society.
WHAT: Elected officials and prominent technology leaders will be on campus to talk about how quantum computing impacts society. A tour of the future laboratory for Quantum Computing and Technology in URI’s Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering will also be part of the festivities as well.
WHO: Speakers scheduled to attend are:
- U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.
- Rhode Island Sen. Victoria Gu, D-Westerly, chair of the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Ishann Pakrasi, Amazon Web Services
- Christopher Savoie ’92, SiC Systems founder
- Charles Robinson, IBM
- Suhail Zubairy, Texas A&M University and the event’s keynote speaker
WHEN: Eight events will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Fascitelli Center tour and Sen. Reed’s remarks will be from 1-2 p.m., with the remaining program schedule running from 2-6 p.m. The full schedule can be found on the event’s website.
WHERE: University of Rhode Island Kingston Campus
- Tour and Sen. Reed’s remarks: Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering, 2 East Alumni Ave.
- Guest Speakers: East Hall, 2 Lippitt Road
News organizations wishing to attend are to contact James Bessette in the URI communications department at 401-874-3520 or james.bessette@uri.edu for assistance. A visitor parking pass may be obtained inside the Welcome Center or in advance through this office.