The International Year of Quantum Physics: A Turning Point for Science and Society

 

Proclaimed by UNESCO, the International Year of Quantum Physics marks a major initiative to spotlight the advances, promises, and implications of quantum physics in our contemporary world. This global celebration aims to enhance public understanding of quantum physics while fostering international scientific collaboration in this rapidly evolving field. An official launch of the year was held in Paris by UNESCO, and in Geneva by the UNESCO liaison office and the Open Quantum Institute this past February.

For over a century, quantum physics has profoundly transformed our understanding of nature. Counterintuitive concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and wave-particle duality have paved the way for revolutionary technologies, from lasers to microelectronics. Today, research is focused on harnessing the fundamental properties of quantum systems to develop new technologies in areas such as quantum computing, quantum materials, quantum sensing, and quantum communications and networks.

For researchers, the International Year represents a strategic opportunity. It boosts the visibility of scientific projects, strengthens interdisciplinary partnerships, and draws the attention of institutions to the need for long-term investments in infrastructure and talent. Major challenges—such as scaling up quantum computers or creating a quantum internet—demand global mobilization. From a scientific standpoint, these technologies lie at the intersection of physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. From a political and economic perspective, they require new partnerships and momentum at the cantonal, national, and European levels.

But this year is not only aimed at specialists. It is also a remarkable opportunity to share knowledge and to spark critical and intellectual curiosity among both young and old—essential foundations of a vibrant society and democracy. Understanding quantum physics and its associated technologies also means being better prepared for a future where it will play a central role, from cybersecurity to medicine.

Given the stakes surrounding the development of quantum technologies, many quantum centers have been created in Switzerland and across Europe, often affiliated with universities or technical institutes. Their value lies in their ability to pool resources—human, technological, and financial—around common objectives. These centers support the development of cutting-edge infrastructure such as quantum simulators, computing platforms, or quantum communication networks, while also ensuring the training of the next generation of specialized scientists and engineers. Their regional integration fosters the emergence of centers of excellence that strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in the face of global competition. These centers also serve as bridges between fundamental research and industrial applications, accelerating technology transfer and innovation. They facilitate collaboration among all quantum stakeholders: universities, startups, large tech companies, and public institutions.

In Switzerland, there are currently four main quantum centers: the ETH Quantum Center (QC ETH), the EPFL Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSE EPFL), the University of Basel Quantum Center (QC Basel), and the Geneva Quantum Centre (GQC). As examples of unifying initiatives, these centers have co-organized the Swiss Quantum Days since 2023—an annual gathering of the Swiss quantum science and technology research community. These centers are key partners at the interface between researchers and the Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI) and its commission. The SQI represents a Swiss political commitment to develop a national quantum roadmap for both public and private actors.

At the cantonal level, the GQC plays a leading role in setting up infrastructure related to quantum technologies, in collaboration with CERN, universities of applied sciences (HES), and private partners such as ID Quantique. A first quantum communication network is scheduled to launch in 2025, connecting these institutions. Additionally, hackathons on quantum materials will be held this summer in collaboration with CERN.

During this International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Geneva Quantum Centre (GQC) placed special emphasis on organizing numerous events for the Geneva public. These initiatives received outstanding feedback from the University of Geneva, the city, and partners such as CERN. Highlights include the opening lecture of UNIGE’s spring semester by Prof. Nicolas Brunner, the Physics School’s open house during the Night of Museums in May—which drew over 1,000 visitors between 6 p.m. and midnight—the engaging talk by Julien Bobroff titled “The Smallest Conference…”, and the participation of several GQC members in the Pint of Science event.

In June, the GQC will inaugurate a temporary exhibition at the History of Science Museum entitled “Quantum Decoded.” This exhibit was conceived and developed in partnership with Julien Bobroff and his “Physics Reimagined” team, along with ID Quantique. It will explain key concepts of quantum physics and present the current state of research conducted at the GQC, with outdoor panels displayed along the lake.

These events—alongside CERN’s Quantum! program throughout the semester, in which many GQC members took part as scientific experts—have sparked growing enthusiasm for quantum science among Geneva’s citizens. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of all GQC members, as well as the logistical and financial support from UNIGE, and funding from the NCCR SwissMAP, the Wright Foundation, and especially the Swiss Quantum Initiative (SQI).

In conclusion, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is not merely a scientific celebration—it is a call for curiosity, collaboration, and shared innovation, with a view toward tangible transformations in society. In today’s political and financial climate, the events associated with this year serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial importance of political and financial support to successfully carry out ambitious, high-quality projects in the service of research, the academic community, and society at large.

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