Princeton University’s Quantum Initiative Receives ‘Major’ Gift
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Insider Brief Princeton University’s Quantum Initiative has received a major gift from Andy and Heather Florance to support interdisciplinary quantum research, education, and innovation. The initiative, launched in 2019, spans engineering, chemistry, and physics, with research ranging from quantum materials and devices to foundational computational studies. Princeton is expanding its quantum ecosystem through recent research advances and a Ph.D. program launched in 2024 to train the next generation of quantum scientists. PRESS RELEASE — Princeton University’s Quantum Initiative will accelerate the next generation of quantum science research and discovery with the support of a major gift from Andy Florance ’86 and Heather Florance.
The Princeton Quantum Initiative was launched in 2019 and is an interdisciplinary enterprise involving faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics. Research teams’ work ranges from laboratory experiments with materials and devices to mathematical and computational studies that provide a foundational understanding of how quantum systems work. “Andy and Heather Florance truly understand the potential of quantum science to generate path-breaking discoveries and catalyze innovation,” said President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83. “They also appreciate the unique constellation of world-class talent and expertise at Princeton that positions the University for leadership in this field. We are deeply grateful for their generous partnership in support of the Princeton Quantum Initiative.” Quantum science is a strategic priority for the University, with similar goals to enhance scientific discovery and innovation. Princeton’s quantum research teams have announced several quantum breakthroughs in recent years, from building a new superconducting qubit that represents a major step toward practical quantum computers to discovering new ways to study quantum materials using lab-grown diamonds. Princeton’s strategic commitment to quantum science extends across teaching, learning and research. A quantum science and engineering Ph.D. program was launched in 2024, and the program’s first two cohorts of graduate students are fully engaged in the University’s interdisciplinary quantum research community. Andy Florance is the founder and chief executive officer of CoStar Group, an S&P 500 company and the world’s leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, online marketplaces and 3D digital twin technology. He is a member of the board of trustees of Princeton University, as well. Heather Florance is the founder and chair of the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden Dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. She is also a member of the board of trustees for the Meridian International Center, a nonpartisan center for diplomacy in Washington, and serves on its executive committee.
Matt Swayne LinkedIn With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses. matt@thequantuminsider.com Share this article: