International Year of Quantum Science and Technology launched in Paris

The Unesco International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) has kicked off with a ceremony in Paris ahead of 12 months of events marking 100 years since the publication of the foundational text of quantum science.

It was in July 1925 that German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg completed his paper “On the Quantum-Theoretical Reinterpretation of Kinematic and Mechanical Relations”, which is generally considered to be the starting point for quantum science. Unesco declared the anniversary year of that landmark event IYQ. 

Renowned quantum physicists gathered today for the Paris launch at Unesco HQ alongside the Institute of Physics (IOP), the UK government, and representatives from nations around the world.

The year, coordinated in the UK and Ireland by the IOP, aims to raise global awareness of a scientific revolution that will change our lives.

Quantum technologies harness the unique properties of subatomic particles to process information in a completely new way. Pioneering quantum discoveries mean we can now, or could soon be able to, do things previously thought impossible, for example:

• Professor Dominic O’Brien and his colleagues in the UK National Hub in Quantum Computing and Simulation are leading research into quantum computers that could tackle climate change by optimising the energy grid;
• A group led by the University of Nottingham has developed quantum brain scanners small enough to be worn as a helmet that could save lives – especially for children too young to undergo MRI; and
• Advances in encryption led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US with UK and worldwide participation are poised to make current encryption obsolete and change national security forever.

The UK is a global leader in this industry of the future, with more quantum companies and greater levels of private investment into quantum technologies than any other country except the US.

But the leading British physicists spearheading the UK’s IYQ celebrations say we must redouble our efforts to shape this revolution, and build up international collaboration, ensuring our society and the world can share in the benefits it can bring.

Sir Peter Knight, Co-Chair of the IYQ Steering Group, said: “The International Year of Quantum comes at a pivotal moment for quantum science and technology. A hundred years ago, physicists were making the first stunning discoveries that changed our understanding of matter and unlocked perhaps the most powerful technology of the modern age.”

He added: “Quantum technology has already changed our lives, making possible the microchips that power our computers and phones and the lasers and photonics that underpin global communications networks. Now it stands ready to change the technological landscape again – if we in the UK and worldwide continue to support the fundamental science to advance quantum understanding and the business growth to share its benefits around the world.”

And Professor Sir Keith Burnett, IOP President, added: “Just like other revolutionary technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet and the combustion engine, quantum will change our world in ways we cannot yet imagine. It could help us tackle climate change, transform healthcare and offer unprecedented growth for nations who can harness its potential.

“But, as with AI, we in the UK and Ireland must continue to ensure the enormous potential benefits are shared among all in our society and right across our world, with no-one left out or left behind – that’s the mission of the physics community – and that’s why we’re so pleased to celebrate this year.”

The UK government has also used today to launch a hunt for key specialists to join a board advising them about the best ways to seize the transformative potential of quantum technologies. An Expression of Interest has been launched for new members to join the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Quantum Strategic Advisory Board (SAB).

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Joining SAB is a great opportunity for those who understand the potential of quantum best to help harness the benefits of quantum for the economy and society. This government restates its commitment to quantum science and technology and the advice of the Board will be invaluable as we continue to play a key role in ensuring the UK maintains its leadership in this area.”

_{Unesco headquarters in Paris, where IYQ launched today} 

Quantum – the science and the year ahead

Quantum physics, often just called quantum mechanics, is the branch of physics dealing with the behaviour of particles on a very small scale – like atoms and subatomic particles. It differs from classical physics in not following the usual rules we experience in the macroscopic world, such as things being in one place at one time.

In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition. Additionally, particles can be ‘entangled’, meaning the state of one particle can instantaneously affect the state of another, even if they’re far apart.

These phenomena create opportunities to make enormous advances in computing, cryptography, sensing, simulations and materials sciences.

The IOP and its publishing arm, IOP Publishing (IOPP), along with a range of other organisations, are marking IYQ with a host of events and activities:

• Quantum Information conference at the Royal Society (19-20 February);
• National showcases in Ireland for World Quantum Day (14 April) and Scotland during Quantum Month;
• The Economist’s Commercialising Quantum Global (13-14 May) and the City Quantum and AI Summit (8 October);
• Flagship academic events such as QuAMP, the IOP’s biennial international conference on quantum, atomic and molecular physics (2-4 September), and Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials (24-27 June);
• Public-facing activities from universities and research institutes – including the IOP’s summer exhibitions in London and Dublin to inspire and engage young people;
• A full schedule of quantum-related content from Physics World, with a dedicated quantum newsletter, quizzes, podcast content and more; and
• A week of celebrations in November in partnership with the Royal Institution, including an exploration of the History and Future of Quantum Technologies (5-6 November), the National Quantum Technologies Showcase (8 November) and an IOP public discourse with a keynote speech from Professor Jim Al-Khalili (9 November).