The National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) welcomes a renowned expert in quantum physics, computing and networking to serve as its new director, effective September 1, 2025. Prof. Dr. Norbert Linke brings a decade of experience building and running quantum computers and conducting research on the applications of trapped atomic ions. He co-invented several of the original patents that enabled the launch of IonQ, born out of UMD research and headquartered in College Park.

Born in Munich, Germany, Linke graduated from the University of Ulm, and received his doctorate at the University of Oxford, UK, working on micro-fabricated ion-traps and microwave-addressing of ions under David Lucas. After post-doctoral work at Oxford, he spent four years as a post-doc and research scientist in the group of Chris Monroe at the University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute, where he led a project that turned a physics experiment into a programmable quantum computer. He became an assistant professor at UMD in 2019, transferred to Duke University in 2022, and now returns to UMD.

QLab was established in 2021, lead by its Founding Director Franz Klein. As the nation's first quantum user facility, QLab provides the global scientific community with hands-on access to commercial-grade quantum computers.

"I'm honored to lead the QLab in its mission to make quantum computing accessible and drive innovation. I'm excited to work with the talented team here to push the boundaries of what's possible with this technology," Linke said. “President Pines gave QLab a motto, which is ‘Quantum for All.’ Following this, my vision for QLab is to provide broad access to the latest quantum resources for researchers, commercial stakeholders, as well as students and educators.”

QLab fosters a vibrant quantum community, through its QLab Fellows and Global User Programs, as well as the QLab Collaboration Space, a dedicated hub for innovation that opened in 2023. QLab also supports groundbreaking research through seed grants and collaborations with companies in the Quantum Startup Foundry, resulting in publications and software development.

“Linke’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of quantum computing and foster a collaborative environment for innovation,” said Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth, vice president of information technology and chief information officer at UMD.

Linke's appointment comes at a time of rapid growth and development in the field of quantum computing, especially in the state of Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore recently announced a $1 billion Capital of Quantum Initiative anchored by UMD and built on a landmark public-private partnership, in which the QLab is poised to play a key role.