Brock Associate Professor of Chemistry Jianbo Gao also received two Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants. The three grants total $75,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese prestigious awards recognize the world-class quality of Dr. Dudding\u2019s and Dr. Gao\u2019s work in quantum computing, materials and communications,\u201d says Brock University Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon. \u201cThrough partnerships across sectors and borders, our researchers are applying their innovations to meet emerging global and national challenges that have wide-ranging impacts in health care, industry and many other sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Jianbo](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/JianboGao-1-1050x700.jpg\")
Brock Associate Professor of Chemistry Jianbo Gao also received two Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants for his work to advance next-generation quantum sensing and quantum computing technologies.<\/p><\/div>\n
Dudding\u2019s collaboration focuses on PET\u2019s imaging agent, which enables the body\u2019s internal structures to be seen more clearly. Bioimaging is enabled by incorporating fluorine-18 into biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. However, these fluorine-18\u2013labelled biomolecules are often unstable, leading to reduced image clarity and, in many cases, fuzzy results.<\/p>\n
Dudding, Johns Hopkins Assistant Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science Laurence Carroll and their graduate students are using artificial intelligence and quantum computing methods to create a new molecule that will carry fluorine-18.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe end result is that we can diagnose cancers more effectively and faster, which is going to save human lives in Canada and throughout the globe,\u201d says Dudding. \u201cI\u2019m excited to use my knowledge and interest in chemistry to make diagnostic tools that doctors use to treat patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Gao\u2019s research focuses on advancing next-generation quantum sensing and quantum computing technologies.<\/p>\n
In these technologies, particles made from light, electric currents, magnetism brought about by electrons spinning, and temperature-related atomic vibrations interact with each other at \u201cultra-fast\u201d speeds in quantum devices.<\/p>\n
In one project, Gao is collaborating with Cl\u00e9ment Livache at \u00c9cole Polytechnique in France to develop qubits \u2014 the basic unit of information in quantum computing \u2014 that can operate at room temperature. Currently, qubits are formed and operate in very cold temperatures.<\/p>\n
\u201cQubits functioning at room temperature is a key step toward practical quantum computing,\u201d says Gao. \u201cThis allows for dramatically increased computing power and much faster data processing.\u201d<\/p>\n
In another project, Gao is working with Sohee Jeong at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea to develop advanced sensors based on nanocrystals. These materials enable the detection of extremely weak or invisible light, opening new possibilities for imaging, communication and security technologies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese quantum technologies have the potential to enable scalable, low-cost and energy-efficient devices,\u201d says Gao. \u201cThey will play a key role in strengthening Canada\u2019s leadership in quantum innovation, supporting industry growth and training the next generation of highly skilled researchers.\u201d<\/p>\n