Dr. Maria Longobardi is the Executive Director and Head of Young Researchers at Switzerland’s National Quantum Center, NCCR SPIN, where she combines quantum physics, education, outreach, and international collaboration to foster a connected and inclusive quantum community.

She has launched several initiatives to broaden access to quantum, including a course on quantum algorithms for women in Africa. Among other projects, Longobardi promotes collaborations between artists and scientists. She launched QuantaArt at the NCCR SPIN, including an artist-in-residence program, and co-directed Quantum Jubilee and QuantumFest at the APS Global Summit 2025. These events combine music, movement, and storytelling to make quantum science engaging and relatable. Through these efforts, she has fostered creative collaborations between young scientists and artists, transforming complex ideas into accessible experiences for everyone.

Longobardi is also actively involved in science diplomacy worldwide and promotes global partnerships between academia and industry. She advises organizations such as the American Physical Society, UNESCO, and the European Commission. She is an APS Fellow and has been recognized as one of the Inspiring Fifty, as one of the 50 most inspiring women in science and technology, in both Italy and the UK. Longobardi is a committed advocate for equity, creativity, and ethical responsibility in quantum research. Her leadership combines scientific rigor with innovative communication, shaping a quantum field that is both inclusive and groundbreaking.