WP4 Kickoff Meeting

mercredi 11 mars 2026, 07:00 → 08:00 US/Eastern

https://laurentian.zoom.us/j/5582316289?pwd=QLebJJbIW7XDkkA09U3e7QjFDups5F.1

NEXUX WP4 Kick-Off Meeting - March 11, 2026

Drafted by Erica Brunelle; please edit any errors / omissions where you see fit. 

Meeting commenced at 7:03am ET

Attendance:

Raymond Bunker

Erica Brunelle

Stephen Sekula

Fairouz Malek

Alessandro Scordo

Catalina Curceanu

Francesco Artibani

Francesco Clozza

Francesco Sgaramella

Irene Bolognino

Paul Scovell

Xavier Bertou

 

Action Items:

• Catalina to send Raymond examples of papers for him to review RE: Task 4.1.
  • Stephen further suggested we have a larger 'common document,' which would include past work, technologies, etc. This would be gathered into a reading list for the four sections (i.e. "Recommended Reading List."
  • Quorum agreed this was a good idea to create and it will provide further documentation and assist future partners. 
  • Stephen and Ray to explore offline to hosting and accessing these platforms with SNOLAB's I.T. Dept.
  • The Indico Site works well for meetings in one central place. 
• Quarterly might be a good idea to meet. 
  • 7am-8am (ET) / 1pm (UK) early morning continues to work for most of the Quorum. 

 

Task Review Notes:

 

Task 4.1 – led by Catalina and Irene

 

• Similar experiments such as those in Gran Sasso with the collapse model; but to use any technology to generate quantum foundations.
• Measure radiation and gamma rays somewhere other than Gran Sasso.
• Parallel measurements around the world; and use experiments that are already running. Can interpret in terms of quantum foundations.

· 

Task 4.2 – led by Catalina and Irene

 

• Didn’t obtain funding for development of new detector, but explore the possibility of using current detectors for testing.
• Consider moving detectors to gather measurements.
• South Africa also expressed interest.

 

Task 4.3 - led by SNOLAB (inherited from Jeter Hall to current Director of Research Raymond Bunker)

• CUTE facility mentioned and explained. Good shielding, low radioactive material. Used for qubits
• Common noise in background issues (secondary radiation, etc.)
• The idea of this one is to characterize and develop solutions at SNOLAB and LNGS.

 

Ongoing and a challenge for multiples communities interested in results. 

Lots of overlap for tasks 1-3 and complimentary which is good.

 

Task 4.4  – something to draw it together and push it out.

 

Secondment Notes:

 

• Possibly sending Francesco Artibani to SuSi SNOLAB Program – 2 months and apply this to the Secondments chart. Quorum agreed good way to start effectively. 

• Getting Francesco familiar with various detectors; overlap with qubit team as well.

• Combine funding with SuSi would be a good method for kickoff.
• Discussion on funding and prices ensued between SNOLAB and EU on travel-related costs. 
• Unsure which SNOLAB Research Scientists to send to LNGS; sending Francesco first seems like the correct choice and then go from there.

 

Any other business:

• Paul and Boulby Lab is listening and learning mode; and will be helpful where they can.
• Until firm plans - we don't need to bring this particular group back again.
• Quarterly might be a good idea to meet. 
• 7am (ET) early morning continues to work for most of the Quorum. 

 

Meeting concluded at 8:09am (ET)

07:00 → 07:05 Introductions

07:05 → 07:10 WP4 Membership

Original proposing institutions: CNRS, INFN (both LNF and LNGS), SNOLAB, Adelaide

Current WP4 mailing list:

• University of Adelaide, Australia: Irene Bolognino
• INFN-LNF, Italy: Alessandro Scordo, Catalina Curceanu, Francesco Artibani, Francesco Sgaramella
• LPSC Grenoble, France: Fairouz Malek, Silvia Scorza
• IJCLab Orsay, France: Xavier Bertou
• LPNHE Paris, France: Luca Scotto Lavina
• SNOLAB, Canada: Ray Bunker, Stephen Sekula, Erica Brunelle
• Boulby, UK: Paul Scovell
• Wits University, South Africa: Rachid Mazini

07:10 → 07:25 Task Review

Task 4.1 - Theoretical and experimental investigation of quantum foundations.
Institutions: SNOLAB, UoA, INFN, CNRS
This task is led by INFN-LNF and Adelaide includes the design and implementation of experimental setups to test quantum collapse theories, wave function collapse models, and quantum gravity effects using data from quantum sensors. These secondments will provide hands-on training to researchers on advanced quantum detection techniques and theoretical modelling. The researchers will conduct collaborative analysis of experimental data after the secondment to ensure knowledge dissemination among all partners.

Task 4.2 Development and testing of quantum detectors.
Institutions: SNOLAB, UOA, INFN
This task is led by INFN-LNGS and involves the evaluation and underground running of advanced sensor technologies based on quantum circuits and novel materials to test theories of low mass dark matter. Secondments will include detector testing and evaluation. Promising prototype detectors will be deployed in deep underground infrastructure at SNOLAB and/or LNGS and SUPL (laboratory of which the University of Adelaide is a member) for low background evaluation and dark matter searches. The groups will evaluate the data after secondments to utilize underground data to improve the dark matter sensitivity and improve future detector design.

Task 4.3 Noise characterization and mitigation in Quantum Technologies.
Institutions: SNOLAB, INFN
This task is led by SNOLAB and involves the development and underground running of advanced qubit technologies based on superconducting quantum circuits. Secondments will include qubit deployment, test, and evaluation, which will transfer quantum processor operational experience across the consortium. Quantum processors will be deployed in deep underground infrastructure at SNOLAB for low background evaluation and to study the impact of correlated errors from ionizing radiation. The groups will evaluate the data after secondments to utilize underground data to improve the understanding of this critical source of qubit errors and incorporate this knowledge into future quantum computer concepts.

Task 4.4 Collaboration, dissemination and reintegration activities.
Institutions: SNOLAB, UOA, INFN, CNRS.
This task will be collaborative between the four institutions involved in this work package. SNOLAB, INFN and the University of Adelaide will organize interdisciplinary training workshops during secondments to facilitate knowledge exchange on quantum foundations, dark matter, quantum sensors, and quantum processors. Knowledge will be shared with participating institutions and major results will be published in academic literature and conferences to inform the broader research and device development communities. Outreach and public engagement activities will be utilized to amplify the societal impact more broadly. The organization of a workshop on quantum foundations and quantum technologies in underground laboratories is planned the 1st year at M12 (see WP5/D5.9).

07:25 → 07:35 Deliverables Review

D4.1: Report on R&I advances in quantum foundations -M46: A comprehensive report detailing experimental findings on quantum collapse theories and quantum gravity effects, produced collaboratively through secondments and post-secondment analysis.

D4.2: Prototype quantum detector for low-mass Dark Matter and performance assessment -M6: Reports on modern prototype quantum sensors evaluated during secondments, with documented performance and sensitivity metrics. Training documentation and guidelines for future detector development and deployment.

D4.3: Report on noise mitigation framework for Quantum Technologies - M42: A technical report and toolkit developed collaboratively during secondments, outlining methods for identifying and mitigating noise sources in quantum detectors and qubits

D4.4: Collaboration and knowledge dissemination outputs: Reports and proceedings from training workshops and secondments, highlighting key outcomes and innovations. Reports will be delivered annually. Final report in M47. Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public engagement materials showcasing advancements in quantum science and technology. A reintegration report summarizing knowledge transfer and the integration of skills and technologies into partner institutions post-secondments.

07:35 → 07:50 Secondment Review

Secondments-NEXUS_WP4.pdf

07:50 → 07:55 Future Meetings

• Frequency
• Time of day:

Option 1: early morning (next day) Australia, mid-day Canada, late evening Italy
Option 2: early morning Canada, mid-day Italy, Late evening Australia

07:55 → 08:00 Any Other Business