FSU-ORNL Workshop on Quantum Materials Fosters Discovery, Cooperation, and Research

The 2026 FSU-ORNL Workshop was a collaboration between the FSU Quantum Initiative and the Neutron Scattering Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The event, which was held on February 2-4, boasted dozens of experienced speakers and welcomed students and postdocs from a nation-wide pool of applicants. This is the 4th workshop of this type, although this was the first time the event was conducted outside of the ORNL and hosted by FSU.

Dr. Michelle Dolgos, one of the organizers from the ORNL side, explained that “this is a partnership we have with FSU, FAMU, and ORNL, in particular with the FAMU-FSU Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MS&E) and with the FSU Quantum Initiative, to increase collaboration and lower the barriers to access neutron scattering instrumentation.” Dolgos is hopeful that the workshop can strengthen some of the collaborations already existing between the scientists and form new connections along the way.

Researchers interested in the use of neutron scattering and high magnetic fields to study quantum materials came together to share ideas and cooperate. Recent advancements in tools for quantum research were explored, providing new perspectives and insight into application of these tools to study a broad range of materials.

William Meier, an assistant professor in MS&E said, “One of the best things about these kind of methods workshops is that you learn what new capabilities are out there and what people are doing with them.” Many quantum researchers learn new and unusual ways to use common tools, and such workshops help everyone brainstorm new ideas and approaches. “This tools-focused workshop plays an important role in not just reminding the community what’s possible, but telling them what’s new,” explained Meier.

Quantum research has been advancing rapidly, providing discoveries that will have promising implications for the future, - something Meier also believes in. “It’s not just curiosity, there are good reasons to do this research. Sometimes it’s medicine, sometimes it’s materials, it’s everything,” he said.

When prompted, Dolgos stated that “We’re thinking of doing a material engineering workshop in the future at FSU.” The FSU Quantum Initiative is optimistic about expanding these future collaborations with ORNL scientists and access to advanced facilities offered by the national lab site.