Quantum Science Center hosts first quantum error correction workshop

Participants from the Riverlane/IQM Quantum Error Correction Workshop at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in February 2026. Credit: Alonda Hines/ORNL

February 16, 2026

The Quantum Science Center (QSC) hosted more than 40 participants at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s first Quantum Error Correction Workshop February 10-12, 2026, in partnership with QSC’s industry partners, Riverlane and IQM.

Leading researchers in quantum computing met to discuss QEC theory, software, and hardware and its relation to HPC as part of the QSC’s goals to realize quantum-centric HPC applications using fault tolerant methods. The workshop focused on technical exchanges between center members with lead roles by partners at Riverlane and IQM.

This three-day workshop provided participants from the QSC — including doctoral candidates from partner universities — with an end-to-end QEC experience with Riverlane and IQM tools using real qubits. The event was intended to balance theory and practice — covering the fundamentals of qubit physics, circuit design, and real-time error decoding — all while demonstrating system calibration.

“For cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing, it is important to cross-skill active researchers and well as students because the science is evolving so quickly,” said Suzanne Parete-Koon, QSC Ecosystem Engagement Lead.

Participants executed circuits and observed how QEC improves qubit performance. By the conclusion, every workshop participant had the opportunity to complete a full surface-code experiment on a functioning quantum processor. This provided a clear understanding of both the theoretical foundations and practical challenges of operating error-corrected quantum systems.

“Marrying HPC and quantum computers and creating quality results that can be trusted is a highly interdisciplinary endeavor,” said Abe Asfaw, Head of QEC Enablement for Riverlane. “Partnering with the Quantum Science Center to have this workshop at ORNL with its classical resources, quantum equipment, depth of talent and the ability to move quickly was an absolute no-brainer. In an ideal scenario, we will come back together for future workshops as our disciplines make progress.”

This first-of-its-kind workshop was made possible by Parete-Koon’s skillful execution and Anne Sherwood’s incredible administrative support.