Title: Quantum Algorithms for Electronic Structure and Beyond

Date and Time:  July 11, 2025 (Friday), 16:00–17:30

Report Location: Meeting Room 6, Building A, Science and Education Building, Feicui Lake Campus

Presenter: Professor Zhenyu Li

Affiliation: University of Science and Technology of China

Abstract:  

Quantum computation are revolutionizing computer science. In this talk, I will focus on how to solve the electronic structure problem in a quantum computational way and how to take quantum advantage in encryption. A software named Q2Chemistry is developed as a platform for quantum computational chemistry studies with several quantum algorithms proposed. We also design the first encryption method that overcomes Shannon’s theorem to achieve perfect secrecy with reusable keys. Because the mechanisms used are fundamentally quantum, Shannon’s theorem remains true in the classical regime. Consequently, the quantum encryption design demonstrates decisive quantum advantage by achieving a goal impossible for classical systems.

Presenter Bio:

Prof. Zhenyu Li is a chair professor at University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and director of the State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry. He obtained his BSc degree in physics in 1999 and his PhD degree in physical chemistry in 2004, both from USTC. From 2004 to 2007 he carried out postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of California, Irvine. After that, he joined the faculty of USTC as an associate professor and was promoted to professor in 2012 and to chair professor in 2022. Prof. Li’s research interests focus on developing and applying new methods to study atomic-scale mechanisms and properties of materials, with a focus on quantum computational chemistry in recent years. He has published more than 230 peer-reviewed papers in journals including Nature, JACS, PRL, and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. with more than 11,000 citations (H-index: 55). He is the recipient of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award, CAS Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize, and NSFC Outstanding Young Scientist Project.