2026 CGRS awarded to Waterloo doctoral student bridging quantum research and public communication
Fiona Thompson (MSc '24, IQC) is pursuing a PhD in English at the University of Waterloo on rhetoric and communication of quantum technologies. She received the 2026 Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (SSHRC): $40,000 per year for three years, enabling focused doctoral work at the intersection of science and public communication.
Following an MSc in quantum information, Fiona Thompson turned to the rhetoric of science to improve quantum science literacy rather than remaining solely in the lab. Her doctoral research applies rhetorical studies, semiotics and literary analysis to make concepts like entanglement more intelligible to non‑experts. Thompson also serves as a Scientific Outreach Officer at the Institute for Quantum Computing, engaging students, policymakers and professionals. The CGRS (SSHRC) award of $40,000 annually for three years funds her doctoral research and outreach activities.
Read the original story · Université de Waterloo — nouvelles — https://uwaterloo.ca/news/art-communicating-quantum-masses