The Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) brings together leading quantum scientists from the Department of Physics of the University of Maryland (UMD), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS). Each institution brings to JQI major experimental and theoretical research programs that are dedicated to the goals of controlling and exploiting quantum systems.

JQI's objectives are to:

- serve as a world-class research institute, conducting fundamental investigations of coherent quantum phenomena and thereby laying the foundation for engineering and controlling complex quantum systems capable of using the coherence and entanglement of quantum mechanics;
- maintain and enhance the nation's leading role in high technology through a powerful collaboration among NIST, UMD and LPS; and
- provide a unique, interdisciplinary center for the interchange of ideas among atomic physics, condensed matter and quantum information scientists.