University of Latvia

University of Latvia

Our pledge
UL has been widely teaching quantum computing and programming since 2018 as well as conducting several quantum outreach activities. UL is currently running 2 online graduate courses (3 ETCS each): Elements of Quantum Computing and Programming; Elementary quantum algorithms. UL has a dedicated Centre for Quantum Computing Science. It hosts an international quantum computing research group in the Faculty of Computing. The group is currently led by Prof. Andris Ambainis and focuses on the theoretical aspects of quantum information including quantum algorithms, computational complexity, communications, and cryptography. Prof. Andris Ambainis is also the lead of the Latvian Quantum Initiative, which brings together Latvia’s leading scientists and teaching staff in the field of quantum technologies with the aim of supporting knowledge, skills, technologies and ideas related to practical applications of quantum physics. This initiative is a part of European and global effort to develop and apply a range of technologies based on quantum phenomena that will bring revolutionary changes in computing, communications and sensor technologies. Within the Initiative currently new training modules on computing are being developed and it is planned to offer these modules globally, ensuring that participants from various regions and backgrounds can access high-quality computing education.
Assoc. Prof. Abuzer Yakaryilmaz was the main founder of the non-profit global network called QWorld that brings together quantum computing researchers & enthusiasts. QWorld has implemented quantum courses globally and educated several thousands of students from all around the world. Around 1000 participants have successfully completed the following courses and 2 quantum jams in collaboration with UL: https://qworld.net/qcourse511-1/; https://qworld.net/qcourse570-1/; https://qworld.net/qcourse511-2/; https://qworld.net/qcourse551-1/; https://qworld.net/qclass23-24/; https://qworld.net/qjam2021/; https://qworld.net/qjam2024/.
In 2019 UL implemented an international project called “QDrive” where 11 workshops were implemented in 8 different European cities.
Assoc. Prof. Abuzer Yakaryilmaz has also created a new tutorial on quantum computing and programming: https://gitlab.com/qworld/bronze-qiskit. UL has co-organized dozens of workshops, based on this tutorial: https://qworld.net/workshop-bronze/. Overall, this workshop has been organized 130+ times globally and locally with around 6000 certificates issued.
Assoc. Prof. Abuzer Yakaryilmaz also created Quantum Science Days and co-lead its three editions: https://qworld.net/qscience-days/; https://qworld.net/qscience-days-2022/; https://qworld.net/qscience-days-2023/.

About
University of Latvia (UL) is the largest national higher education institution in Latvia offering studies in 153 licensed and accredited study programs in 22 study areas. The mission of UL is to promote the growth of Latvian society and the state by guaranteeing students the opportunity to acquire excellent higher education and professional skills, as well as to advance research and artistic creativity. Currently UL is undergoing a consolidation where 29 UL academic institutions will be united under 6 faculties – Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences; Exact Sciences and Technology; of Economics and Social Sciences; of Humanities; of Educational Sciences and Psychology; and – of Law. UL also has 3 colleges and 7 branches in regions of Latvia – Alūksne, Bauska, Cēsis, Jēkabpils, Kuldīga, Madona and Tukums. The UL community has 11061 students, of which 7,6% are foreign students.