Underwood Celebrates Fermilab Selection to Lead Department of Energy's Quantum Research Center

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) celebrated the Department of Energy's recent announcement selecting Fermilab to lead one of the Department's five new National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. The Department's announcement is a part of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative, investing over $1 billion in awards artificial intelligence and quantum information science research institutes. Fermilab will lead the Department's Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center.

"I'm proud to support this investment in Fermilab's world-class scientific research. This competitive award from the Department of Energy will allow Fermilab to continue bringing world-class physicists and engineers to the 14th District to advance our understanding of the universe," said Underwood. "I've continuously advocated for federal funding for Fermilab's groundbreaking scientific research, and I look forward to continuing to support this important work."

In Congress, Underwood has consistently fought to secure resources for Fermilab. In August 2020, Underwood successfully secured $13 billion for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, which funds National Laboratories, including Fermilab, in the second House appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2021, H.R. 7617.