NIU committee hails Fermilab partnership to launch MS in physics with quantum specialization

Northern Illinois University’s Research, Innovation, Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee praised a newly announced partnership with Fermilab that will support a Master of Science in Physics with a specialization in quantum science and technology.

Committee chair Eric Wasowitz said the initiative positions the university “at the new frontier” after artificial intelligence and congratulated President Freeman, Vice President Mikarski and their teams for the work that produced the collaboration. “This is the future,” he said.

Richard Mogarski, NIU’s vice president for research, innovation and partnerships, told the committee the Fermilab collaboration includes a curricular component and that students will gain research experience “with our faculty, with Fermilab partners, as a part of their degree.” He said those experiences will strengthen NIU’s ability to attract students from outside Illinois and to provide meaningful internships that lead to careers.

Mogarski said the partnership builds on ongoing efforts to showcase NIU as a convener for research and applied policy work and that the university’s research capacity gives it “bragging rights” in multiple areas. He added that while federal awards have slowed in some programs, industry and state partnerships can help fill gaps in research funding.

The chair and trustees asked administrators to highlight the Fermilab collaboration in future external communications and recruitment materials. The committee did not take a formal vote tied to the partnership during the meeting.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the presentation; the next committee meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2026.