Conference: Quantum Catalyst through Severe Convective Storm Testbeds (Q-Storm)

Quantum computing promises enhanced capability to provide computational solutions to difficult problems. However, the improvements that may result due to quantum computing are not universal, and the scientific community is seeking topics for which there may be a significant benefit, known as quantum advantage. This conference will bring researchers from the severe convective storms community together with researchers working on quantum applications to potentially discover opportunities at the intersection of the communities. Severe weather, including tornadoes, are a significant societal hazard and the investigation of advanced computing techniques may result in improved prediction of these events. This conference seeks to catalyze and illuminate interdisciplinary collaborations spanning atmospheric science, quantum information science, AI/ML, applied mathematics, and computational science. Participants will examine the fundamental scientific, computational, and observational challenges limiting severe convective storm (SCS) prediction, while exploring emerging advances in quantum algorithms, quantum hardware, quantum sensing, hybrid computing, and AI enabled quantum technologies. Participants will work in interdisciplinary breakout groups to identify opportunities for quantum-enabled advances in SCS modeling and forecasting, evaluate hybrid High Performance Computing-Quantum-AI workflows, define benchmark problems and community resources, and develop research priorities and workforce strategies. The workshop will culminate in the creation of a community-driven roadmap. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.