The University of Chicago has announced the formation of the Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine, supported by a $21 million philanthropic gift from Thea Berggren. The center will focus on integrating quantum engineering with biomedical science to develop tools and techniques for medical diagnostics, monitoring, and therapeutic development. It will be housed within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, drawing on cross-campus expertise in quantum science, clinical research, and translational medicine.
The initiative aims to develop quantum-enabled sensing platforms capable of probing biological systems at the single-cell level, with potential applications in immunology, oncology, and precision diagnostics. Current research at UChicago, including work by faculty affiliated with the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QuBBE), is already exploring quantum methods for real-time observation of immune cell behavior. The Berggren Center will expand this research and fund the development of new quantum instrumentation with clinical relevance.
In addition to research infrastructure, the gift will support training programs to develop interdisciplinary expertise across quantum physics and medicine. Planned initiatives include fellowships for dual-discipline researchers, collaborative technical development projects, and international conferences to advance the emerging field of quantum biology. The center will be co-directed by Prof. Greg Engel and Prof. Julian Solway, whose previous collaborations have focused on quantum sensing for biological systems.
Read the full announcement here.
June 5, 2025
