University of Waterloo Launches Chair in Physics of Information and AI, Supported by Dieter Schwarz Foundation
August 6, 2025 — Waterloo, ON — The University of Waterloo has announced the establishment of the Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI, thanks to a transformational gift from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. This significant investment marks the foundation’s first partnership with a Canadian university and aims to accelerate groundbreaking research at the intersection of quantum physics, information science, and artificial intelligence.
A Bridge Between Quantum Theory and AI
The newly created chair will focus on the emerging field of the physics of information, which serves as a crucial link between quantum theory and next-generation technologies such as quantum computing and quantum communication. The discipline has further expanded with the rise of artificial intelligence, incorporating innovative approaches in machine learning and quantum algorithm design. Progress in this area holds tremendous potential to spur advancements in diverse sectors including medicine, materials science, and cybersecurity.
Leadership and Vision
The chair will be held by Dr. Achim Kempf, a distinguished professor of mathematical physics in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Waterloo. Dr. Kempf brings over a decade of experience, including a previous tenure as Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Information. He is also an associate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute, and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His leadership includes serving six years as chair of the International Society for Relativistic Quantum Information and currently sitting on its advisory board.
Dr. Kempf expressed enthusiasm about the position, stating,
“The physics of information is likely the key to understanding machine learning—and, vice versa, machine learning is likely to be the key to bringing quantum technology to maturity. That synergy holds the potential to dramatically change our way of life. It’s a privilege to lead this research and build a global team of experts in the field.”
Building a Global Research Hub
The Dieter Schwarz Chair will not only advance research at Waterloo but will also create a robust global research hub forged through close partnerships with the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn, Germany, the foundation’s home city known for its vibrant innovation ecosystem. This collaboration is designed to facilitate knowledge exchange between Canada, Germany, and other international partners.
Dr. Kempf intends to establish an elite research team at Waterloo, including hiring a tenure-track professor and recruiting top graduate students and postdoctoral fellows dedicated to pushing the boundaries of this interdisciplinary field.
Institutional and Foundation Perspectives
Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, highlighted the impact of the foundation’s gift:
“We’re grateful to the Dieter Schwarz Foundation for this extraordinary investment. The Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI exemplifies the Waterloo at 100 vision in action. By mobilizing research and educating leaders in this field, the chair will help ensure our communities and partners are ready to lead in a future full of immense opportunity to serve the needs of humanity and the planet.”
Representing the foundation, Dr. Reinhold Geilsdörfer, chief executive officer of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, reflected on the partnership’s significance:
“We’re delighted to support Dr. Kempf and his research team at the University of Waterloo. The Dieter Schwarz Chair will facilitate an exchange of knowledge between the Waterloo and Heilbronn networks, preparing us all to embrace the future with confidence and enthusiasm. I look forward to celebrating the impact of our partnership in the years to come.”
About the Dieter Schwarz Foundation
One of Germany’s largest non-profit foundations, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation champions initiatives in science and education designed to prepare society for an ever-evolving future. Its projects are closely linked to Heilbronn, fostering a local ecosystem geared toward innovation and technological advancement.
For more information about the University of Waterloo and ongoing research initiatives, please visit uwaterloo.ca.
Contact:
University of Waterloo Media Relations
Phone: +1 519-888-4567
200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
The University of Waterloo respectfully acknowledges that its campuses sit on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples.
