David Williams-Young: Toward Practical Quantum Utility in Chemistry and Materials Science: Open Problems and Emerging Opportunities

Abstract: Quantum computing holds the potential to reshape computational chemistry and materials science, yet the path from promising theory to genuine scientific impact remains full of open questions. In this talk, I will offer a broad perspective on what it will actually take to make quantum simulation useful to practicing scientists. The field's biggest challenges are not purely algorithmic but span the full stack from hardware to workflow design, benchmarking, and accessibility. I will outline where focused effort is most likely to accelerate real progress toward quantum utility in the physical sciences.
 

Bio: David Williams-Young is a Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft Quantum, where he serves as software lead for quantum applications. His work focuses on quantum computing applications in chemistry and materials science, including quantum algorithms, classical simulation methods, and the development of tools that bridge quantum computing and computational many-body theory. Prior to joining Microsoft, he was as a Scientist in the Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he developed exascale electronic structure methods and software for DOE Leadership Computing Facilities. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Washington, specializing in relativistic electronic structure theory. He is the author of numerous open-source computational chemistry libraries and has served as a major contributor numerous quantum chemistry software packages.