On 21st February 2025, over 100 individuals–including policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and educators–gathered to celebrate the launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) in Geneva, following the official Opening Ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris earlier this month. Co-organised by OQI and UNESCO, the celebration took place at the Geneva Conservatory of Music as one of the recognised global IYQ events in 2025.
With performances from musicians of the Conservatoire intertwining science and culture, the event emphasised the societal impact of quantum technology development. Featuring a series of panel discussions, diplomats engaged in dialogue on the global societal impact of quantum science and technology, examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the technology on a national and international scale. A scientific panel addressed the current gaps in quantum education and explored strategies of how to enhance global learning opportunities.
“Through the inauguration of the IYQ in Geneva, UNESCO and the Open Quantum Institute reaffirmed our commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation, raising public awareness, and driving collective action toward ensuring that advancements in quantum technologies remain inclusive, secure, and beneficial to humanity,” said Enrica Porcari, Head of CERN IT.
A call to action
During the event, OQI and UNESCO called upon all stakeholders—from member states, scientific institutions, academia, civil society, and many others—to actively collaborate in realizing the potential of quantum science and technology to address global challenges while upholding ethical and human rights principles. This call to action encourages everyone to engage in the International Year of Quantum and to advance the development of quantum technology for the benefit of humanity.
Quantum science is transforming the world—but will it benefit all?
As Dr Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Science at UNESCO noted, “Quantum science is not just about pushing the frontiers of knowledge—it is about calling a Global Quantum Agenda for shaping a future where technology serves all of humanity. The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is a call to ensure that these advancements bridge divides, rather than create new ones.”
As the sole UN agency with a mandate in the basic sciences, UNESCO has been designated as the lead agency for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 7 June 2024. This marks a century since the birth of quantum mechanics.
The IYQ in 2025 is a pivotal initiative celebrated under the broader framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). Within this framework, the IYQ in 2025 serves as a catalyst for long-term advancements in quantum research and applications. By aligning IYQ initiatives with the objectives of the IDSSD, UNESCO seeks to establish sustainable quantum education programs, encourage enduring international collaborations, and integrate quantum technologies into broader sustainable development strategies.
The IYQ is not just a year-long celebration but the beginning of a dedicated decade of scientific endeavor. It represents a commitment to harnessing quantum science and technology for sustainable development, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all, now and in the future.
What is quantum science and technology?
Quantum science explores the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. These principles have led to the development of quantum technologies, which harness phenomena like superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling. Quantum technologies have transformative applications across diverse fields. In medicine, quantum sensors enable ultra-precise imaging and diagnostics. In computing, quantum processors promise to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, revolutionizing fields like cryptography, materials science, and climate modeling. In communications, quantum networks offer unprecedented security through quantum encryption. These breakthroughs have the potential to address global challenges and create new opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
Quantum science has its roots in unraveling the mysteries of light. Early studies of light’s dual nature, behaving as both particles and waves, uncovered fundamental principles that now underpin modern science and technology.
UNESCO ADG for Natural Sciences, Ms. Lidia Brito, speaks on equitable access, global collaboration, and inclusion in quantum technologies during the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
About the International Year on Quantum Science and Technology
In 2015, UNESCO successfully led the International Year of Light, celebrating advancements in light-based technologies. Today, UNESCO once again takes the lead in honoring the transformative contributions of quantum science and technology.
The IYQ aims to
Raise global awareness of quantum science and its role in achieving sustainable development goals.
Foster international collaboration in research and education.
Drive innovation in quantum technologies.
Address the quantum divide by ensuring equitable access to quantum education and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.
Inspire young people, especially women and underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in quantum science and technology.
Launching the year
On 4–5 February 2025, UNESCO successfully organized the Opening Ceremony of IYQ at its Headquarters in Paris. Bringing together more than 1000 scientists, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, the Opening Ceremony set the stage for a year-long global dialogue on how quantum science can drive a more sustainable and inclusive future. Discussions highlighted the transformative power of quantum science, not only in shaping our understanding of the universe but also in tackling critical challenges in healthcare, climate, and secure communications. Speakers emphasized the need to bridge the ‘Quantum Divide’ by ensuring equitable access to quantum technologies through international cooperation, ethical frameworks, and governance mechanisms. The program explored ways to scale quantum innovations, advancing their real-world applications, while also underscoring the importance of public engagement and education in demystifying quantum science and inspiring future generations.
The IYQ exhibition celebrated the transformative power of quantum science, showcasing groundbreaking innovations, interactive installations, and artistic expressions that bridge complex quantum concepts with real-world applications. Through immersive experiences—such as a Quantum Bullet Time Photo Booth, an augmented-reality Double-Slit Experiment, and a Quantum Jungle calculating Schrödinger’s Equation in real time—visitors engaged directly with quantum phenomena. The exhibition also featured artworks exploring the intersection of quantum physics and human experience, including portraits of superconducting devices, art-science collaborations, and reflections on quantum’s societal impact. Leading research institutions and global networks demonstrated advancements in quantum computing, secure communications, and open-access research, while initiatives promoting international cooperation and equitable access highlighted the importance of bridging the ‘Quantum Divide.’ The exhibition underscored how quantum innovation is reshaping industries, fostering global collaboration, and addressing major challenges—a testament to the creativity and dedication driving the future of quantum science.
A highlight of the ceremony was the keynote speech by Nobel Laureate Prof. Anne L’Huillier, who took the audience on a journey through the quantum world with ultrashort light pulses, illustrating how breakthroughs in fundamental physics have led to transformative technologies. She emphasized that while quantum mechanics began as a theoretical framework, it has since revolutionized fields such as precision measurement, advanced imaging, and next-generation computing. Her address underscored the vital role of basic research in driving real-world innovations, reinforcing the need for continued investment in fundamental science. Equally inspiring was the fireside chat with Nobel Laureate Prof. William D. Phillips, who reflected on the evolution of quantum science—from its early breakthroughs to the dawn of the second quantum revolution. He highlighted how quantum technologies are no longer confined to laboratories but are shaping industries, from quantum-enhanced medical diagnostics to ultra-secure communications. He also addressed the importance of scientific collaboration and public engagement, emphasizing that the future of quantum science depends not only on researchers but on a well-informed society and forward-thinking policies. Dr. Amal Kasry, Chief of the Section for Basic Sciences, Research, Innovation and Engineering at UNESCO said: “By the end of 2025, we aim to promote the idea of building a strong global foundation for quantum education and collaboration, foster greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, and enhance public understanding of how quantum technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges, particularly in bridging the gap between the Global North and South.”
About the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 25 August 2023, proclaiming 2024–2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD, the Science Decade), with UNESCO designated to lead its implementation. Member States and all relevant stakeholders are encouraged to actively support and participate in the Decade’s initiatives. After extensive consultations with stakeholders and a co-design process, the Science Decade has developed a strategic plan and established its governance structure, including a Secretariat, an Executive Committee, and an Advisory Committee. The Science Decade aims to advance basic sciences through global collaborative research initiatives, promote open science to democratize scientific processes, transform national innovation systems to better respond to societal needs, and enhance scientific literacy worldwide. This Science Decade offers a unique opportunity for humanity to fully harness the power of science in advancing sustainable development and securing a safe and prosperous future for everyone.
UN Member States and all relevant stakeholders are urged to actively back the Decade, with UNESCO designated to lead its implementation. The Science Decade was officially launched on Monday, 2 December 2024, during the prestigious Latin American and Caribbean Open Science Forum (CILAC) in San Andrés Isla, Colombia. This landmark event convened global leaders, eminent scientists, and policymakers for a dynamic exchange of ideas, setting the stage for transformative scientific endeavors to drive sustainable development. Through high-level discussions and visionary insights, the forum shaped a bold agenda for leveraging science as a cornerstone of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming the commitment of the global community to innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.
A call to action
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology is not just a celebration of achievements—it is a global call to action for the future. Through coordinated efforts, the IYQ seeks to inspire the next generation of quantum scientists and innovators, ensuring that the benefits of quantum technologies are shared equitably across the globe. In a broader context, the Science Decade invites forward-thinking individuals, institutions, and organizations to submit proposals that will help shape the next ten years of innovation, discovery, and scientific advancement. The Decade is a global initiative designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and transformative research that will address the world’s most pressing challenges. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of a new era in science, making meaningful impacts on society and our planet.
The International Year of Quantum (IYQ2025) Opening Ceremony at UNESCO in Paris was a landmark event, bringing together some of the world’s leading scientists, policymakers, and industry pioneers. The event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of quantum science, highlighting its role in shaping the future of technology, education, and global collaboration.
Diya Nair, Global Lead for Outreach and United Kingdom’s Ambassador of Girls in Quantum, attended the ceremony to capture key moments from the event. She created a vlog that takes you behind the scenes, showcasing thought-provoking panel discussions, inspiring keynote insights from Nobel Laureates who have shaped the field and much more! A key focus of the discussions was speakers emphasising the importance of investing in quantum education to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to shape this rapidly evolving field.
Another central theme was quantum’s potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Experts discussed applications in quantum sensing, which could revolutionise medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring; cybersecurity, where quantum encryption promises unprecedented levels of data protection; and financial services, where quantum algorithms could transform risk analysis and optimisation. The event truly served as a call to action, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and governments to accelerate progress.
Watch the full vlog by Diya here:
As we celebrate 100 years of quantum science, its full potential is still yet to be realised. The discoveries made today will shape the technologies of tomorrow, and this event was a powerful reminder of how far the field has come—and how much further it can go.
If you found this interesting, subscribe to Quriosity by Diya for more quantum content and share your thoughts in the comments – what excites you most about the future of quantum?
Diya Nair is the Global Lead for Outreach and UK Ambassador of Girls in Quantum.
Kick off the International Year of Quantum (IYQ) with Philippe Chomaz, Executive Scientific Director of the Fundamental Research Department at CEA
In this special event, Dr. Philippe Chomaz will highlight global collaboration and innovation in quantum science and technology, with representation from UNESCO to underscore its international significance.
Philippe Chomaz (PhD), Executive Scientific Director, Fundamental Research Department at CEA.
Biography
Philippe Chomaz is a prominent physicist specializing in nuclear science, known for his leadership in research and dedication to science outreach. A graduate of the prestigious Ecole Normale Supérieure – rue d’Ulm, Paris, he earned his doctorate in theoretical nuclear physics from Université Paris-Sud. His research focuses on the exploration of exotic atomic nuclei, quantum chaos, and critical phenomena in nuclear systems.
Chomaz served as the director of the Institut de Recherche sur les Lois Fondamentales de l’Univers (IRFU) at the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission), where he led major projects and contributed to advancing nuclear physics on both theoretical and experimental fronts. He has also been instrumental in developing large-scale research facilities like GANIL and SPIRAL2.
Beyond his academic contributions, Philippe Chomaz is an advocate for public engagement with science. He has participated in numerous initiatives, including TEDx talks and public lectures, where he demystifies complex topics such as quantum mechanics and its revolutionary impact on technology and society.
Abstract
Newtonian mechanics, Maxwellian electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and Clausius’s entropy… In 1900, physics was considered elegant and complete! Lord Kelvin famously remarked before the Royal Institution of Great Britain that only a few “small clouds in the blue sky of physics” remained.
These “small clouds” would grow into storms that revolutionized physics in the 20th century. The first storm revealed that light is granular, composed of particles called photons. The second demonstrated that electrons in atoms behave as waves. The world was no longer straightforward—it became a duality of wave and particle. The universe had entered the quantum realm.
This quantum revolution of physics ushered society into the information age during the second half of the 20th century. Quantum mechanics gave birth to the transistor and the laser, opening doors to computers and modern communication. Suddenly, everything became possible: the internet, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and more.
Today, researchers worldwide are preparing for a third quantum revolution, leveraging extraordinary quantum properties such as superposition, non-locality, and entanglement. Will quantum computers, ultimate sensors, and teleportation crack open Schrödinger’s cat’s box?
The International Year of Quantum is a call to action, not just a celebration. It is intended to bring quantum science into public awareness, ensuring accessibility and engagement beyond academia.
Collaboration and inclusivity are essential for quantum’s future. The ceremony reinforced the need for interdisciplinary partnerships, iterative progress, and expanding participation across industries and communities.
Education and workforce development must be prioritized now. Quantum literacy in K-12 and reskilling professionals across fields are critical to building a robust and diverse ecosystem.
Ethical responsibility and societal impact must guide quantum’s growth. The field must balance innovation with security, sustainability, and equitable global access, ensuring quantum benefits humanity as a whole.
Image Credit: UNESCO/Marie ETCHEGOYEN
Quantum has always been a force of contradiction—both foundational and elusive, shaping the modern world while remaining an enigma to most. It exists in the devices we use, the systems we rely on, yet it is spoken of in paradoxes, understood by few.
The opening ceremony of the International Year of Quantum was an acknowledgment of this duality—not just a reflection on a century of discovery, but a call to shape what comes next. It was a gathering of scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, aligned not only in their ambition but in their responsibility to make quantum’s future more tangible, more accessible, and more inclusive.
UNESCO, the American Physical Society, and organizations like The Quantum Insider are championing this year-long initiative to bring quantum into public consciousness—not as a distant theoretical field, but as a potential tool to impact society at every level. The mission is not just to celebrate progress but to ensure that the next era of quantum is one that belongs to all.
A Convergence of Purpose
The ceremony was not just a stage for reflection—it was a stage for alignment. On stage, we confirmed as a community that we are on the right page, with common themes of accessibility, education, responsible development, and tools to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Off stage, conversations deepened, partnerships formed, and the work of the future was not just imagined but actively set in motion.
Building something new requires an ability to see beyond what exists and take the next best step forward. The International Year of Quantum is not just about celebrating achievements; it is about pushing past barriers—technical, conceptual, institutional—to ensure that quantum’s promise is realized for all.
Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of QED-C, captured this vision: “The International Year of Quantum, I believe, is an opportunity—because it’s broad, it’s inclusive, and it’s raising awareness. While QED-C is very much focused on advancing the commercial industry, that industry depends on the entire innovation ecosystem—from research to product development. I always say: quantum is global. Innovation is global. Talent is globally distributed, and the markets are global. The International Year of Quantum is about bringing together as many stakeholders as possible.”
And true inclusion is an active process—one that goes beyond awareness and requires sustained engagement across disciplines, industries, and communities. As the conversation deepened, a common thread emerged: progress in quantum will come not just from visionaries but from those who refine, challenge, and evolve ideas in real time. Allison Schwartz, Vice President of Global Government Relations & Public Affairs at D-Wave, reinforced this reality: “Being at the center of this industry—building applications today and providing real-time cloud access across 42 countries—gives us a unique opportunity to tap into new generations of innovators. We’re especially focused on those who aren’t just thinking theoretically but are asking, ‘What can I do today?’”
Quantum is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives on collaboration, on the merging of disciplines, on ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Krysta Svore, Technical Fellow and Vice President of Advanced Quantum Development for Microsoft, emphasized this dynamic: “In computing, you always compare—you run it, measure against a baseline, and if it’s better, you use it. But in quantum computing, we haven’t been able to do that. The power today is that we are producing reliable quantum machines that can be integrated and layered onto existing workflows.”
The future of quantum cannot be built in isolation. It is not a closed-loop system, self-contained and exclusive to a handful of experts. It must be expansive, integrative, and, above all, inclusive.
The Question of Understanding
Education stood as one of the ceremony’s most urgent themes. Digital literacy is foundational in today’s world, yet classical computer science remains absent from many K-12 curriculums. Mathematics and physics—essential to quantum computing—are often overlooked. If we do not prioritize these subjects early, we risk creating a future where only a select few have the knowledge and opportunity to engage with this technology in meaningful ways.
But waiting for the next generation to come of age is not an option. The urgency of quantum’s development requires a workforce that draws from all disciplines and industries. We need physicists, yes—but also electrical engineers, software developers, policymakers, and advocates. The success of quantum technology will not rest on scientists alone; it will require the efforts of an entire ecosystem.
Rajeeb Hazra, CEO of Quantinuum, put it bluntly: “A big part of the access challenge is workforce. For quantum to realize its full potential, it must evolve from a small set of people who have to labor inordinately hard against the systems of the world to do it right.”
Mitra Azizirad, President & COO of Strategic Missions & Technologies at Microsoft, expanded on this idea: “The first step for us—and what I’m most focused on—is identifying those initial hybrid applications. How do we work with our partners and customers to determine what they will be? Because when you think about the marriage of AI and quantum, there’s an incredible opportunity ahead.”
Jonathan Felbinger, Deputy Director of the QED-C, drew a parallel to AI: “I think this is a great opportunity to capture the public imagination—much like AI has. Every day, there’s something in the news about AI, and I’m sure kids today are thinking, ‘I want to work in AI. I want to learn AI.’ In a way, they’ve become AI-native, interacting with it, shaping it, and building awareness around it. I want that same level of public engagement for quantum—both in terms of understanding use cases and building the future workforce.”
Ethics, Sustainability, and the Responsibility of Knowledge
Science does not exist in a vacuum, nor should it. The pursuit of knowledge is deeply human, driven by curiosity, by wonder, by the desire to push beyond the known. But awe alone is not enough. If we possess a technology, even in its early stages, that has the potential to address the world’s most profound challenges, then the responsibility to pursue it extends beyond personal ambition—it becomes an obligation to humanity.
Professor Yasser Omar, President of the Portuguese Quantum Institute, reminded attendees in his opening remarks on the second day of the event that “Basic science is a societal benefit.” But its impact depends on how we choose to apply it. The responsibility of scientific discovery does not lie solely with researchers in the lab—it extends to educators, policymakers, businesses, and individuals who seek to integrate and apply these discoveries for the benefit of society.
Hazra emphasized this dual responsibility: “Our job is to accelerate useful quantum computing for good—and each word in that is meaningful. Our role is to ensure we are accelerating both the rate of technology creation and its adoption. It does no good to develop technology and leave it in the lab. And it does no good to stop innovating just because democratizing that technology beyond the lab is getting harder.”
As with any powerful technology, ethical considerations and security risks must also be addressed. Merzbacher urged a balanced approach: “In the context of the International Year of Quantum, I think we should focus on the beneficial applications—whether it’s point-of-care diagnostics, improving weather forecasting to help farmers, or other positive impacts. As we develop these beneficial uses, national security controls will need to be targeted. Protections will still be necessary, but they should be narrowly focused to ensure that quantum’s positive applications can be widely shared and used.”
The Work That Lies Ahead
One of the most striking takeaways was the acknowledgment that progress is not always comfortable and quantum cannot afford to be an exclusive field. The future belongs to those willing to integrate it across industries, disciplines, and communities. The ceremony was a beginning, not an endpoint.
As Hazra observed, “The last three or four years—and even the last decade, before Quantinuum was formed—have been years of discovery. We’ve learned what works, and we’ve learned what doesn’t. Now, 2025 is the year of acceleration. I’m not saying we’ve solved all the problems, but we have a path—we have a map. And now, we’re moving faster along that map. The International Year of Quantum marks the year of accelerating useful quantum computing for good.”
The urgency is not just in the technology itself but in the decisions we make around it. The International Year of Quantum is not just a celebration; it is a challenge. A call to ensure that the foundations we build now will last. Science, after all, is not just about what we can do—it is about what we should do.
Azizirad, with passion and intention, captured the essence of this moment: “But right now—this moment—is the most exciting. Because we’re on the cusp of something where everything feels possible. We’re in the ‘art of the possible’ phase, where we’re truly ideating and layering quantum into what comes next.”
Annie McEwen went to a mountain in Pennsylvania to help catch some migratory owls. Then Scott Weidensaul peeled back the owl’s feathery face disc, so that she could look at the back of its eyeball. No owls were harmed in the process, but this brief glimpse into the inner workings of a bird sent her off on a journey to a place where fleshy animal business bumps into the mathematics of subatomic particles. With help from Henrik Mouristen, we hear how one of the biggest mysteries in biology might finally find an answer in the weird world of quantum mechanics, where the classical rules of space and time are upended, and electrons dance to the beat of an enormous invisible force field that surrounds our planet.
If you’ve heard or read about quantum mechanics, you may have seen it described as “weird.” Even the great Albert Einstein — one of the founders of quantum mechanics — called certain aspects of the theory “spooky.”
With its wave-like particles and particle-like waves, quantum mechanics certainly challenges our intuitions of how the world works. Accepting what is counterintuitive to us — while striving to learn more — is a very important part of science!
Quantum can seem intimidating because it deals with the granular and fuzzy nature of the universe and the physical behavior of its tiniest particles that we cannot see with our eyes. Just because we haven’t experienced the world of quantum the way we can see the effects of gravity doesn’t mean quantum has to be “weird” or “spooky.”
The founders of quantum mechanics may have thought it was “weird” because it was different from the physics they were used to. But that was more than 100 years ago. Quantum just is the way it is!
I’m passionate about flipping the script on quantum and making it accessible to all.
In this blog post, I will attempt to normalize quantum mechanics by drawing analogies to concepts you may already know and understand.
I will also try to explain the five things that I have noticed confuse people about quantum mechanics. (Don’t worry; no math will be required!) You probably don’t need to understand quantum mechanics in-depth, but I hope this will help you think about it and how it applies to your life.
Quantum in action
Before the early 2000s, computers did not exhibit quantum behavior. But as technology advanced and transistors in computers got smaller (now as small as 5 nanometers, which is 5 billionths of a meter!), they started to show quantum behavior. Quantum behavior limits how small transistors can be and how fast computers can compute because it makes transistors “pesky” in that they don’t exhibit the predictable behavior that engineers want. For this reason, computers now operate on multiple “cores” to help increase computing speed and power.
The Wonderful World of Quantum
When you zoom in on matter at the quantum scale, nature gets granular. At this scale, we find tiny particles such as:
Photons: particles of light that have no mass or charge.
Electrons: subatomic particles that make up the atom, carry electricity and have charge and mass.
Quarks: the building blocks of protons and neutrons.
Alternatively, you can think of matter like a digital image: If you zoom in enough on an image, you start to see it’s made of individual pixels.
Classical physics governs the movement of things we can see, such as baseballs and planets. Quantum physics is a world we can’t easily see. If any part of quantum is substantially different from classical physics, it is that physics at the quantum scale is not only granular but also “fuzzy.”
When we zoom in on an image, a pixel seems to have a well-defined boundary, or does it? If you were able to zoom in on the atoms and subatomic particles that make up the pixel, you would see that the subatomic particles aren’t well defined. Their boundaries and behavior are somewhat unclear. This is similar to drawing a “perfect” line with a pencil and ruler. If you looked at that line with a microscope, the edges would look more wobbly than straight.
The lack of clarity in quantum mechanics creates unique behaviors. The consequences of these behaviors perplexed the physicists who were the first to try to understand quantum mechanics. These behaviors are:
Wave-particle duality: Tiny particles look like they are behaving like waves or particles, depending on how you observe them.
Superposition: In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states at once.
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle: Nature imposes a fundamental limit on how precisely you can measure something. (You can’t measure certain pairs of properties at the same time with unlimited precision.)
Entanglement: Two things can be so interconnected that they influence each other, regardless of distance apart.
Spin: Spin is a fundamental characteristic of elementary particles. Like mass or charge, spin determines a particle’s behavior and interaction with other particles.
I will discuss how these behaviors are central to emerging quantum technologies like quantum computing and quantum cryptography and how they manifest in fantastic ways in the natural world.
Wave-Particle Duality
The fuzziness at the granular level occurs because these tiny particles act a bit like waves (similar to water waves and radio waves). Remember the definition of wave-particle duality: Tiny particles like electrons and photons can appear to behave like waves or particles, depending on how you observe them. The wave-like properties of particles at the quantum level are like water waves; they can interfere with one another, resulting in “ripples.” The ripples allow us to predict the particles’ behavior (where they are most likely to be found, what energy they are likely to have and how they will interact with other particles).
Take light as an example.
When light passes through water droplets, the light can act like waves that form the beautiful patterns of a rainbow.
On the other hand, when light hits a solar panel, it acts like a particle. Because we observe the photons’ energy being deposited in chunks (like a solid ball hitting a screen), we perceive them as behaving like particles.
Superposition
To better understand the energetic states of particles, I can draw an analogy to musical instruments. Instruments have many notes (tones, vibrations or frequencies) that they can sound on. When you add energy to an atom, for example, you can excite the cloud of electrons that surround the atom, like striking a drum. Just as a musical instrument can sound on multiple tones because of the mechanical structure of the drum, superposition allows particles to exist in multiple “states” at the same time. This is because of the force or “tension” the nucleus creates on the electron cloud.
In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states at once. Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST.
Superposition in action
Superposition is extremely useful in quantum technologies. For instance, superposition is used to make atoms oscillate in atomic clocks. It’s also important to note that physicists have quite a bit of control over superposition in well-controlled systems like atomic clocks. Physicists can control the atom to be in one electronic state or another. Or they can create a superposition of both states.
You can imagine superposition as being similar to a pendulum swinging between positions (one at the far left and one at the far right). When oscillating, the pendulum is at neither position but oscillating from one position to the other. The “swinging” back and forth between the platforms is the oscillation that forms the clock signal, just like the oscillation of a pendulum, just way faster!
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in Measurement
The notion of uncertainty exists for measurements of all physical systems but becomes really apparent at the quantum scale.
When you try to measure the state of any system, you inevitably disturb it at some level. Why? Because to observe it, you typically need to interact with it using some type of probe.
For instance, we use photons bouncing off objects to see them with our eyes, a form of measurement that allows us to judge an object’s position, movement and size. The light bouncing off a skyscraper doesn’t have large enough energy to significantly disturb the skyscraper. But if the skyscraper were as small as an electron, the energy could become comparable enough to the skyscraper’s to significantly disturb its state.
This is part of the essence of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which says that the act of measurement disturbs the quantum state of the object. As a result, there are limits to how precisely certain pairs of properties, like position and momentum and time and energy, can be known simultaneously.
Entanglement
Quantum entanglement occurs when the quantum states of two or more particles become strongly correlated. This means the state of one particle can instantaneously influence the state of the other, regardless of distance. A common analogy to understand correlation is to think of two entangled photons as two coins that always land the same way when you flip them.
In the quantum phenomenon known as entanglement, the properties of two particles are intertwined even if they are separated by great distances from each other.Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST.
In quantum key distribution (QKD), entangled photons are used to securely exchange cryptographic keys (like in financial transactions for banks or top-secret military messages). If an eavesdropper tries to intercept the photons, the act of measuring them disturbs their quantum state, causing a detectable change in the correlation between the photons. This disturbance alerts the communicating parties to the presence of an eavesdropper, ensuring the security of the key exchange.
Entanglement in action: quantum communication and computation
Entanglement and superposition are used in many of the newer quantum technologies being developed today, such as quantum networking, quantum communication and quantum computing. Quantum bits, or qubits, that are entangled with each other have a potential “quantum advantage” that can allow them to solve some calculations much faster than classical computers and that allows exponential improvement of computing power with the number of qubits.
Spin
While wave-particle duality, superposition, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and entanglement are all manifestations of the fact that quantum systems have wave-like behavior, spin is off on its own.
Although deeply associated with quantum mechanics, spin is just a characteristic a particle has when it’s created, similar to mass and charge. Despite its name, the term “spin” doesn’t mean the particle is actually spinning.
The spin of electrons, neutrons and protons that make up an atom make it possible for them to form stable structures, such as the elements, planets and our bodies. Your own body and anything you interact with in the physical world exists in its current form because spin gives the particles volume! Electrons can’t occupy the same space because of their given spin. This is what gives matter volume.
Photons have a different spin than electrons, protons, and neutrons, allowing them to occupy the same space. This gives photons remarkable qualities. If you have noticed, you can feel the warmth of light, and you can see it, but you can’t hold it or touch it like you can hold things made of matter like pencils, table,s and pets.
Spin in action: lasers
The fact that photons can occupy the same space is responsible for the amazing utility of the laser. In lasers, all the photons can perfectly overlap with one another so that all the peaks and troughs of the light waves are perfectly aligned and added together. This allows lasers to create something like a superwave, so all the photons work together in the same space and at the same time. This allows lasers to cut metal, even if they operate with powers similar to a light bulb.
Making Quantum Accessible for All
I am deeply passionate about making quantum mechanics and quantum technology accessible to the public because I envision a future where the applications of these technologies reflect the diverse voices of all demographics.
The impact of quantum technology and computing will be profound. Quantum may bring us more secure communication systems, solve problems like how to design better medicines, and much more. It’s crucial that everyone has a role in shaping how these innovations evolve to benefit humanity and the planet.
This piece was published first on the NIST website
Tara Fortier is a physicist and project leader in NIST’s Time and Frequency Division.
A week after the official launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), we reflect on the resounding success of the Opening Ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. With over 1,000 in-person attendees and more than 2,500 participants joining via livestream, the event was a dynamic and inspiring start to a year dedicated to celebrating quantum science and its impact on society.
Over the course of two days, attendees engaged with thought-provoking talks, immersive art installations, and vibrant discussions on how to harness the momentum of this milestone to guide quantum advancements well beyond 2025. The event underscored not only the groundbreaking potential of quantum science but also the importance of global collaboration in ensuring its benefits are widely accessible.
Key Themes from the Ceremony
Ms Samia Charfi KADDOUR, Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar; former Director General of Scientific Research at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Tunisia. Prof. Ana Maria CETTO, Professor at the Institute of Physics, the Director of the Museum of Light at the National University of Mexico, the United Mexican States Prof. John DOYLE, Henry B. Silsbee Professor of Physics at Harvard University, President of the American Physical Society; the United States of America.
The Past, Present, and Future of Quantum Science
Nobel Laureates Prof. Anne L’Huillier and Prof. William D. Phillips provided invaluable insights into quantum’s evolution, highlighting both foundational discoveries and the uncertainties that still drive the field. Dr. Phillips and Dr. Aspect pointed out that while we are still uncovering the true capabilities of quantum computing, other quantum technologies are already making significant contributions to society and can play a role in addressing global challenges.
Keynote talk “Watching The Quantum World With Ultrashort Light Pulses” by Prof. Anne L’HUILLIE, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics.
Building a Future-Ready Quantum Workforce
A central theme was the urgent need for comprehensive education initiatives to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and policymakers. Discussions emphasized that quantum education cannot wait for the future; it must be developed now to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce capable of driving innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
Industry Perspectives: Collaboration, Competition, and Accessibility
Industry leaders addressed the delicate balance between competition in quantum technology development and the need for open collaborations. The debate touched on the urgency of breakthroughs, the ethical implications of quantum applications, and the role of industry in making quantum technologies broadly accessible rather than restricted to a few key players.
Quantum for Sustainable Development
A major focus of the Opening Ceremony was how quantum science can contribute to global challenges, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From quantum-enhanced climate modeling to secure communication systems, speakers explored realistic applications without inflating expectations. The discussion highlighted the importance of managing hype while recognizing the immediate and long-term potential of quantum technologies.
Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum Science
Ensuring equitable access to quantum education and research opportunities was another critical topic. Initiatives such as Girls in Quantum were highlighted as essential to fostering a more inclusive and representative field. Speakers underscored that diverse perspectives will be key to ensuring that quantum technologies serve the needs of all communities, not just a select few.
Ms Lidia BRITO, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCOMr Cephas Adjej MENSAH, Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management. Republic of Ghana
Ms Maricela MUNOZ, Director External Affairs, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), Switzerland. Dr Dave SMITH, National Technology Adviser, on behalf of the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Prof. Alain ASPECT, Physicist and 2022 Nobel Laureate in Physics, France. Prof. Stephanie SIMMONS, Founder & Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic, Co-Chair of Canada’s National Quantum Advisory, Canada.
The energy and enthusiasm from the Opening Ceremony have set a strong foundation for the year ahead. As we move forward, we will continue fostering conversations, collaborations, and initiatives that ensure quantum science benefits society in meaningful and lasting ways.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, partners, and attendees for making this event such a success. Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives throughout IYQ!
Jorge Cham, aka, PHD Comics, in collaboration with Physics Magazine, has designed the official mascot for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Quantum science is a hard nut to crack—even for the brightest physicists. But 2025 might offer a pivotal moment for raising public awareness of the field and its technological implications. The United Nations’ declaration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) is sparking a burst of outreach activities, with 100 events (and counting) planned globally. The year was officially kicked off on February 4–5 at an inauguration ceremony held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris (see Research News: Curtain Rises on the Year of Quantum).
Quinnie surfing on a quantum wave function.
At the ceremony, UNESCO unveiled its IYQ mascot, Quinnie, created by Jorge Cham, aka, PHD Comics, in collaboration with us at Physics Magazine. The mascot was developed during brainstorming sessions for a series of animated cartoons, which we will release throughout the year [1]. Harnessing Cham’s ability to explain the most complex scientific concepts through cartoons, we hope to communicate to the broadest possible audience what we know and, perhaps more importantly, what we don’t know about quantum science.
To us, Quinnie represents a young generation approaching quantum science with passion, ingenuity, and energy. We imagine her effortlessly surfing on quantum-mechanical wave functions and playfully engaging with the knottiest quantum ideas, from entanglement to duality. According to a worn-out quote by Richard Feynman: “If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t understand quantum mechanics.” Much progress has been made since his statement, but we hope that Quinnie will help this young generation have fun in trying to make it fully obsolete.
The production of the animated cartoon series is supported by an AIP Venture Grant Program jointly awarded to the American Physical Society, Optica, and the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Building awareness and inspiring a future workforce are two aims of the UN-designated quantum year.
Hands-on demonstrations of quantum entanglement, role-playing diplomacy games, continental-scale shindigs, and more activities for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) are coming into focus. Last June, the United Nations declared 2025 the IYQ; since then, scientists, educators, and science lovers have been buzzing with ideas for how to celebrate the past century of quantum physics and its applications and look ahead to the next one.
The UN imprimatur lends visibility and legitimacy to efforts to raise awareness about quantum science and technology. It also comes with a commitment to the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals—affordable and clean energy, quality education, and gender equality, to name a few. Many quantum-related activities are underway independent of the IYQ, says Enrica Porcari, head of CERN’s IT department and a member of the IYQ steering committee. But the IYQ will “turbocharge” efforts, she says. “I think 2025 will see an explosion of events.”
Quantum-based technologies are already ubiquitous, and many more applications in computing, communications, and sensing are on the horizon. “In physics, everyone understands how central quantum mechanics has become, but that’s not the case for the public,” says Paul Cadden-Zimansky, the physicist at Bard College who set the ball rolling that eventually resulted in the UN declaration and who is an IYQ global coordinator.
The IYQ can be called a success, Porcari says, if by the end of the year, people in quantum-underserved countries are saying, “I wouldn’t miss this revolution.”
Global events
The official IYQ launch is scheduled for 4–5 February at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters. The event will introduce the year by focusing on the future of quantum science and technology, says Claudia Fracchiolla, head of public engagement at the American Physical Society, which is one of the six founding sponsors of the IYQ. The event, she says, will focus on questions like, What do policymakers need to think about? How will developments based on quantum physics benefit society? What education and workforce training are needed to prepare for the quantum revolution? What are the ethical considerations? Science ministers, Nobel Prize winners, educators, social scientists, and others will speak at the event.
In the quantum diplomacy game, policymakers use role-playing to explore such issues as how to foster public–private partnerships and how to make their government quantum friendly. The game was created by the Geneva-based Open Quantum Institute. (Photo by Michael Chiribau, UNITAR Division for Multilateral Diplomacy.)
The IYQ sponsors, which have grown to include a couple dozen professional societies, foundations, universities, and companies from around the world, are planning a global event on each continent. Beyond that, the idea is to galvanize grassroots organization of activities large and small.
In March, the American Physical Society will host activities to celebrate the IYQ before and during its Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, California. Some activities, such as a quantum playground and treasure hunt, will be largely directed toward conference goers, but many will be public facing. Events will include dance and theater performances, art exhibits, an escape room, and a real-time demonstration of Bose–Einstein condensates being synthesized aboard the International Space Station.
One of the global events will likely take place in Ghana, which, along with Mexico, played a key role in bringing the IYQ proposal to the UN. Riche-Mike Wellington, Ghana’s focal person for the IYQ, says that training workshops and conferences, public awareness campaigns, and other activities are being planned in partnership with industry, educators, and policymakers. The aim of IYQ activities, he says, is to “inspire future leaders and innovators in quantum science, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians and Africans at large” and to bridge the “noticeable divide between the technologically rich North and the less-developed South.”
A.B. C. D. E. A. Picocosmos (2024), a sculpture by artist Edy Fung, broadcasts sounds using data from a single-photon source at a Technical University of Berlin quantum communications lab. The sculpture was showcased in November by Studio Quantum and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin at an event for artists and physicists that fostered discussions for IYQ events. (Photo courtesy of Edy Fung.)/ B. This mosaic from the 1950s at the National Autonomous University of Mexico explores the past and present. The eastern wall (shown) portrays the contemporary world, with the atom taking center stage. (Photo by Miguel Zorrilla, General Directorate of Libraries and Digital Information Services, National Autonomous University of Mexico.). C. In the multimedia theater pieceThe Art of Questionable Provenance, scientists and artists explore the science of consciousness and the use of scientific forensics to analyze artwork. The University of Chicago’s STAGE Center, which created and produced the show, is planning other projects for the IYQ. (Photo by Christopher Ash.). D. This bottle cap mosaic reveals different symbols when it’s exposed to different wavelengths of light. Players in the escape room LabEscape progress by solving quantum puzzles like this one. (Photo courtesy of Paul Kwiat.) E. A light and sound installation by Robert B. Lisek is inspired by quantum field theory calculations. The mathematician and artist created the work last fall as an artist-in-residence at the Science Gallery Bengaluru in India as the gallery geared up for its yearlong IYQ research festival. (Photo courtesy of Robert B. Lisek, https://robertlisek.com.)
Grassroots activities
In India, physics historian and museum director Jahnavi Phalkey is planning a yearlong quantum festival at Science Gallery Bengaluru. The preparations began last fall with a mathematician-artist who spent several weeks at the gallery creating quantum physics–inspired art. There will be installations, performances, and a beverage bar, called h-bar for Planck’s constant. “The purpose is to create a sense of wonderment around quantum, not necessarily to explain it,” says Phalkey. “It’s to remind ourselves of the sheer beauty of what the mind is capable of.”
People who have been involved in World Quantum Day, now in its fourth year, have a bit of a head start. The celebration has representatives in more than 60 countries. World Quantum Day is officially 14 April, but events take place on and around that date. Past activities have included explanatory video competitions for high school students, campaigns to translate “World Quantum Day” into many languages, museum talks that explore how quantum physics plays a role in people’s day-to-day lives, and the creation of YouTube and other social media content.
Around the world, people at schools, museums, companies, and more are planning live and remote lectures, inviting students to intern in labs that do quantum-related research, hosting hackathons, and putting on events in which quantum science and art interact. If the UN-designated 2015 International Year of Light is anything to go by, expect upward of 13 000 events this year. Anyone can post an IYQ event or look up what’s going on near them at https://quantum2025.org/en/event-resource.
